Life Issues

Are you someone who can fall asleep easily? Or do you have trouble nodding off and struggle to wake up?

Have you ever wondered why we need sleep? Or what is happening to our bodies and minds when we are in slumberland?

Joining Helen to explore in this week's Life Issues is Dr Lindsay Browning, a neuroscientist and author of navigating sleeplessness.

These days it is more and more common for those responsible for things that go wrong to fail to take ownership of their actions – or worse to hide behind blame shifting and cover ups. So, whether it be governments, church denominations or even closer to home, Paul is exploring why taking responsibility seems such a struggle withRevd Jonathan Aitken in this week’s Life Issues.

Millions of people globally will be heading to the polls as part of national elections in 2024. But what about the sovereignty of God and understanding his will when it comes to voting? Vicky Gibbens is joined by Danny Webster, the Director of Advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance in this week’s Life Issues: Does God care about my vote?

They say like father, like son, and for the majority, the fact that we sow into the next generation is a good thing. But what if Dad isn’t a good example?                               

What if he has his own behaviour problems or addictions? Does that have to manifest in the next generation or can the cycle be broken? Author James Goldie joins Paul to explore what dads can be and whether it always has to be “like father, like son”?

Do you struggle with the relentless demands of life?

Is it possible to live slower and freer but still keep up with all our responsibilities?

And what can ants teach us about living in freedom?

Katharine Hill, UK Director at Care for the Family and author of Born Free joins Helen Lea in this week’s Life Issues: How to flourish in a hectic world.

It can increasingly feel as if we are living in a society that has moved on from Christianity – either deeming it irrelevant or responsible for doing more harm than good. In this Life Issues, Dr Sharon James encourages us to take confidence from and maybe shout about the way Christianity has changed the world, and share a Gospel that is and has always been a force for good.

We have thousands of thoughts every day. The challenge for us is to fix them on what is true and right, pure and lovely. So how much attention should we pay to the latest news bulletin or online article when the content is often shocking and woeful? Vicky Gibbens takes up the conversation with Tim Levell and Julia Bicknell, both mentors for Christians in Media with considerable experience working for some of the UK’s major broadcasters.

Do you know what a Sustainable Development Goal is? It’s a commitment to ensure that no one is left behind as the world develops. Yet despite support from global leaders, we’re falling short on achieving the goals set for 2030. So, what can we do, why should we care and how does the reality of our faith call us to model a better way? It’s the Life Issues conversation this week with Paul Hammond and his guests Paul Cook and Elizabeth Myendo from Tearfund.

Questioning our beliefs is healthy right? Yet a trend for ‘deconstructing’ faith to the point of some even deny the name “Christian” is emerging. So, what has created this tide of disillusionment and what can we do to protect people from falling away from the truth? Alisa Childers shares her insights on ‘progressive’ Christianity in this week’s Life Issues. 

We are exploring a widely misunderstood mental health condition that is often shrouded in secrecy and shame - Eating Disorders. They affect around 1 in 50 of us in the UK. Di Archer from the Eating Disorder charity Taste Life UK is joining Helen Lea for a frank and personal conversation in this week’s Life Issues podcast: Why eating disorders aren't about food…

Family dynamics these days can be confusing things, with the traditional image of the “nuclear family” no longer really covering it. So, in this week’s Life Issues Paul Hammond discusses the importance of our wider relational networks with Care for the Family’s Claire Burton, asking “How far does my family extend?” 

What is life like with a severe mental illness? And what stigma generated by news headlines might you still face?

Sharon Hastings qualified as a doctor, but lives with a psychotic illness. In this week’s Life Issues with Paul Hammond, she challenges the misconceptions around psychosis and shares what we can do to help.

Do you know the value of your attention? In an age where various forms of media compete to get it, Helen Lea asks Speak Life’s Nate Morgan Locke about the rise of the “attention economy” in this week’s Life Issues.

We believe in a God who can do miracles – who can heal, re-create and restore. But where does that leave us if “the healing never comes”? In Life Issues this week, author Paul Mallard discusses chronic illness with Paul Hammond.

Success - do we define it too narrowly and therefore set ourselves up for ‘failure’? And how do we 'dream big' when life is full of disappointments and unmet expectations?

British Olympian Abigail Irozuru shares her wisdom on the subject with Helen Price in this week’s Life Issues.

Beachy Head is a stunning location, but sadly is often less associated with its beauty than it is with people who die from suicide. So, this week we’re asking what drives people to that decision and what we can do to step in?

Gus Pickett from Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team speaks with Paul Hammond.

If you are affected by the conversation please call the Samaritans on 116 123.

What stops you believing in God? Maybe unanswered questions? But what if doubt and the mystery of God is part of what makes faith so powerful? 

Helping Helen Price explore how we can embrace the unknown is Zach Bolen, lead singer of Indie-Rock group Citizens, in this week’s Life Issues.

What is your relationship like with ‘things’? And how does it impact your relationship with the Giver of all things? Cathy Madavan, speaker, broadcaster and author, shares her personal experience of losing it all and finding true identity in this week’s Life Issues with Paul Hammond. 

Our news is often saturated with stories of hostilities across a divided world. We may even ask ourselves if there can be any hope for peace in these days? In this episode of Life Issues Dan Morrice encourages us with unreported and inspirational tales of peacemakers around the globe to spur us on in our own efforts to be people of peace.

Do you struggle to share your faith? Find it difficult to bring Jesus into every day conversations? Afraid you won't have the answer to a difficult question? Maybe you don't want to come across sounding preachy?

But if the gospel is good news for EVERYONE and faith comes by hearing… how do we talk about Jesus without looking like an idiot?

Helen Lea speaks to Andy Bannister, Author of How to talk about Jesus without looking like an idiot.

He's arguably the most famous person in history… but who is Jesus? His life defines our calendars and His teachings have influenced laws that protect human rights, promote equality, and prevent discrimination. Billions of people around the world follow Him. But what were His political views? His thoughts on economics? What did He look like, what did He eat? And is 'Jesus' even His real name?

Jared Brock, author and documentary maker, is helping Helen Lea debunk some myths in this week's Life Issues.

In a world of so many conflicts, where peace in the season of ‘Peace and Goodwill to all’ is the last thing people are experiencing, how do we lend ourselves to be peace makers?

Paul Hammond speaks with Carolyn Merry of Place for Hope and David Smyth of the Evangelical Alliance.

What role do children have in your church? So often we look at them as to be “ministered to” but what if we started to recognise, respect and nurture their giftings and ability to minister?

In a world where so many young people are disengaged from the church, what difference would it make to develop children’s ministry, that is ministry by children not to them?

Paul Hammond speaks to Founder of Parenting for Faith, Rachel Turner.

Wellbeing, there’s a lot of talk and advice about how we should be. Thankfully, we seem to be losing the stigmas that suggests people should admit such difficulties.

But when the clouds press in, when the skies darken, when the fog seems impenetrable and the spiral seems ever downwards - How do we find the path to a brighter day? There is a new book out that offers a suggestion – 12 steps to strengthen your wellbeing.

Paul Hammond speaks to Patrick Regan, President and Co-founder of Kintsugi Hope, in Life Issues.

When we hear about scandals around church leaders, it’s fair enough that we are a bit taken aback isn’t?

And maybe even that we question our own experience of God through them… So, when church leaders fail, how should we respond?

Phil Swann from the Wales Leadership Forum joins Paul Hammond on Life Issues.

Dignity – what does that mean? Proverbs 31 says that a righteous women clothed in strength and dignity can face the future with confidence. It sounds like dignity is important to God and if it is; maybe we should understand it, live in it and do all we can to impart it to others.

Becky Murray, Founder of charity One by One joins Paul Hammond on Life Issues.

We can often be made to feel like we have to choose between faith and science, but what if we don’t? What if science can actually prove God?

Steph Bevan from God and the Big Bang joins Helen Lea for this week’s Life Issues conversation.

What happens when we regularly doubt ourselves, allowing our fears and insecurities to take a hold of shaping who we are?

Lucinda Smith was faithfully serving as a medical missionary in Pakistan, yet felt abandoned by God. But a life changing encounter with a little girl from China was to change that.

Vicky Gibbens talks to the author of 'The Red Thread'.

Most of us at some point have felt the panic of indecision – so how do we make good decisions, how do we make God decisions, and how can we make sure it’s a good call, let alone the right call. 

Paul Hammond speaks toIain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson, Authors of Good Call: Learning to make decisions with God.

Can Christians influence culture, without needing to label content as "Christian”? Can we separate faith from our creativity? And how do you shape culture rather than culture shaping you?

Helen Price is joined by  Norman Stone, a BAFTA and Emmy-award winning Director, who doesn't make 'Christian films' but is a Christian who makes films for this week’s Life Issues.

What's your worldview? We all have one - whether we are aware of it or not. A set of beliefs and ideas about the world and how it works.

So how do we speak to someone who disagrees with our faith perspective?

Helen Price explores with Peter Lynas, UK Director of the Evangelical Alliance.

What does it take to be a Christian influence in politics? As CARE approaches its 40^th anniversary, CEO Ross Hendry shares his thoughts with Paul Hammond.

What is prophecy? How relevant is it for our everyday lives? And who can be a prophet?

Paul Hammond wants to know in this week’s Life Issues with Dr John Andrews.  

What is burnout? Where does it come from? How does it work? What contributes to it? And how can we be ‘reignited’ and maintain a healthy work life?

Paul Hammond asks Consultant Neuropsychologist Jo Johnson in this week’s Life Issues.

What can we say to our children to help them navigate the gender debate, particularly in the knowledge that they will in turn talk to other children?

Ed Drew, Director of Faith in Kids and Jo Frost, Director of Communications and Engagement at Evangelical Alliance share their advice with Paul Hammond in this week’s Life Issues.

Do you ever feel guilty despite knowing thatyou’ve been forgiven? Do mistakes loom large in your thinking and do your conversations often start with an apology?

Guilt can be a very destructive emotion, but sometimes is necessary to prompt us to change. So how do we deal with it and break the cycle that can lead to crippling hopelessness and despair?

Paul Hammond speaks to Will Van der Hart, Director at the Mind and Soul Foundation, an Associate Vicar and co-author of ‘The Guilt Book’, in this week's Life Issues.

Crisis is a word that gets a lot of usage at the moment but the question is, is social care in crisis and how do we fix it?

Is it just about the money? Why when other countries get it right, is the UK in crisis? And if the measure of a civilisation is how it treats its most vulnerable what does that say about us?

Paul Hammond speaks to Dr Anna Dixon MBE & Revd Dr Chris Swift.

There’s something about laziness that rankles isn’t there? Especially when your workload gets heavier because someone is swinging the lead. But is a duvet day or a lazy Saturday after a heavy week at work really something God is against?

Paul Hammond is joined by Revd Ciarán Kelleher.

The idea of restoring something to its former glory has become very popular recently, but what about when it comes to a community that has a terrible reputation, a person who has betrayed their spouse, or someone who has committed a crime? Can they be restored, have their reputation changed and gain new relational acceptance?

Paul Hammond speaks to Debra Green OBE in this week's Life Issues.

Are we pursuing a comfortable life or using this life to prepare for eternity? What matters more to God, our successfulness or faithfulness?

In Life Issues, Vicky Gibbens is joined by the Reverend Godfrey Kesari who believes pondering on heaven can lead to a purposeful life here and now.  

What makes a successful church? For most, numbers would be an aspiration. But does a good church have to be “mega”?

Could it be that there is value in the “small”, that essential relationship and nurturing that might get lost in the crowd can be stronger in a group of….12 maybe?

When it comes to Church, could less be more?  Paul Hammond speaks to Jonathan Bond and Mark Robinson.

Easter – it’s the high point of the Christian calendar. But is it simply a time of year? Or could it, and should it, be a way of life?

Revd Manoj Raithatha tells Vicky Gibbens how encountering Jesus has brought Easter into his every day. 

They say it killed the cat but curiosity also drove some of the greatest steps and developments for humanity.

So, is it a good thing? And might it be a spiritual characteristic we need to nurture and develop?

Paul Hammond speaks with psychology professor Dr Roger Bretherton.

Giving – it’s certainly a biblical principle for the Christian life, but there’s often truth in the old saying that ‘the last part of a man (or woman) to get saved is their wallet’. Yet, if we don’t embrace the “gift of giving” who is really missing out? Stewardship’s Daniel Jones takes up the conversation with Paul Hammond in this week’s Life Issues.

Believing that everyone has the right to live a life of freedom, and deserves dignity and respect regardless of circumstances should have consequences for us as Christians, right? But what about when those circumstances make us feel...well uncomfortable?

In this week’s Life Issues Sophia Burley tells Vicky Gibbens why she is passionate about reaching out to women in the sex trade.

Questioning our beliefs is healthy right? Yet a trend for ‘deconstructing’ faith to the point of some even denying the name “Christian” is emerging. So, what has created this tide of disillusionment and what can we do to protect people from falling away from the truth? Alisa Childers joins Paul Hammond to share her insights on progressive Christianity in this week’s Life Issues. 

“For over five hundred years, Gypsies, Roma and Travellers have been persecuted, misrepresented, enslaved and even murdered in whatever land they reside ” and the role of the church in that is often overlooked. So what do you think of when people talk about Gypsies, Roma and Travellers?

Dr Steven Horne, First Romany from the UK to be awarded a PhD in Theology joins Paul for this week’s Life Issues Myth –busting the Gypsy story.

Marriage is often seen as the ultimate life goal, particularly within the church.

But what about people who haven’t met someone yet, people who are divorced, bereaved or would rather remain single?

How can we be single and fulfilled - even with a desire for marriage?

Lauren Windle explores this question with UCB’s Helen Price. 

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 2^nd 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. 

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? 

Despite a greater understanding of how our bodies work – it is more difficult than ever to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Why? And what has faith got to do with it? Helen Price is exploring in this week's Life Issues with Rosemary Conley CBE: Is faith good for your health?

Longing for a hope-filled perspective on dementia? Dr Jennifer Bute’s approach to living with the condition will inspire you. 

Dr Jennifer Bute is a retired GP with lived experience of dementia. Her ‘Glorious Opportunity’ webpage resources those seeking to better understand the condition. 

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.  

What does it mean to be a person of justice? And how far should we go to fight for it?  Bishop James Jones, who chaired the Hillsborough Independent Panel and is author of Justice for Christ's Sake: A Personal Journey Around Justice Through the Eyes of Faith, joins Paul Hammond for this week's Life Issues.

How do we connect with a digital generation, protect them, advise them, nurture them & give them a true experience of God? This week’s Life Issues aims to answer that very question.

Paul Hammond speaks with Bob Goody, Mission and Evangelism Director at Youth For Christ.

Why is it that people see faith as a bit miserable and hard to imagine that God & His people have a sense of humour? Paul Hammond is joined by James Cary, Comedy Writer and Joy Carter, Comedian, Writer and Speaker for this week’s Life Issues as they ask Does God LOL? 

Going through grief can shake a person’s faith, but in this week’s Life Issues, author Louise Blyth tells her powerful experience of finding faith in a place of loss and how it helped her to grieve with gratitude. 

Vicky Gibbens speaks to Louise Blyth is author of Hope is Coming: A true story of grief and gratitude

Are you passionate about looking after the planet? Or does talk of the climate emergency fill you with a sense of dread? Guilt? Or Hopelessness?

Jo Musker Sherwood, a Researcher on resilience strategies for climate activists, joins Helen Price for this week’s 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. 

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.

Is it true some people express their worship every Saturday at the football or is it exclusively something for God?

And what exactly do we mean by worship? Is it innate or intentional? And is it true that just like football, worship can bring us together, whatever our age?

In this week's Life Issues Helen Price spoke with Nick and Becky Drake.

They bring the majority of our food and the gadgets we use every day, yet those in the maritime industry are frequently underappreciated. Vicky Gibbens has been speaking to Jan Webber BEM, Director of Development at the Mission to Seafarers and Mark Classen, Port Chaplain at Richard’s Bay in South Africa. They’ve been sharing about the vital support for seafarers experiencing isolation and exploitation.

What are you looking for when you watch a film? Entertainment, emotional engagement, escapism? 

Do you enjoy being scared? With the horror genre increasing in popularity we’re exploring why we engage with horror - and whether it can actually help us understand our need for God’s grace.

Helen Price is joined by Ewan Jones, a Pastor in South Wales, for this week's Life Issues.

As Britain commemorates the 40^th 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.

Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” Yet all too often we struggle to recognise the voice of God in our lives. What if we get it wrong and mix it up with our own human desires?

Armed with practical pointers, Dr Tania Harris joins Vicky Gibbens in this week’s Life Issues to help us confidently discern God’s voice.

What does it mean to have a sense of duty and is it a concept which still has relevance for today? Kate Forbes, the Scottish Parliament’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy shares why her conviction on Christian responsibility has compelled her to count the cost and step forward into the political arena.

Is there a Christian responsibility to protest? What type of protest is acceptable? How far is too far, and is violent protest ever justified? In light of the Westminster Government’s controversial move to crack down on large scale disruption by protesters in its Police Bill, this week’s Life Issues episode promises to be a lively and topical one!

For centuries, fasting alongside prayer was the cornerstone of spiritual development. So how did we get to the point where fasting is just not on the agenda in many of our churches today? For those of us not sure where to begin, Jo Frost joins Paul to talk about the why, the when and the how of fasting in this episode of Life Issues.

Sooner or later we all face storms in life that take us off guard and threaten to overwhelm us. But isn't going to church and personal prayer enough to see us through as Christians? 

In this week’s Life Issues Dr Rob Waller emphasises the value of counselling and gives practical advice for seeking support.

Whether we think it’s a good thing or not, ‘cancel culture’ is fast gaining momentum. Join Paul and Lois for this week’s Life Issues as they discuss what it is, what the dangers are and if people of faith should be concerned about its increasing influence.

Lois McLatchie is a Communications Officer at ADF UK.

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.

Jesus lived, died and rose from the dead, and He gathered to Himself disciples. The Bible makes it clear that they were far from perfect. They struggled 

to see God’s plan, they struggled with fear and pride and they struggled to step up. But then they turned a corner and found a new direction. They 

went from fearful to bold, from confused to clear, from weak to strong. So what changed? And what if we could do the same?

Paul speaks to author Paul Martin.

Ever considered what it would have been like to witness the events of the passion narrative? In this week’s Life Issues you’ll have a chance to do just that as Dr Andrew Ollerton takes us back in time to reflect on the reality of the Easter story as experienced by Jesus’ disciples.

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.

How often do we pause to consider the gender-specific sufferings of Christians facing persecution around the world? Emma Dipper provides us with the opportunity to do just that in this episode of Life Issues.

It can increasingly feel as if we are living in a society that has moved on from Christianity – either deeming it irrelevant or responsible for doing more harm than good. In this Life Issues, Sharon James encourages us to take confidence from and maybe shout about the way Christianity has changed the world, and share a Gospel that is and has always been a force for good.

We know that faith is a personal choice & response, but how can Christian parents best teach their children in the way that they should go so they will not depart from it? Andy Frost, Director of Share Jesus International, shares from his own experience of being a Dad.

The last couple of years have given society a bit of a wakeup call when it comes to valuing and appreciating our emergency services. On Life Issues this week, we’re asking about the unseen parts of the job, why emergency workers make the sacrifices they do, and how we can pray for those who man the front line of crisis in our nation.

Paul Hammond is joined by Marie Reavey from Christian Police Association National Chair and Fr Andrew Wragg, Lead Chaplain in Staffordshire Fire and Rescue.

What is prayer, why do so many of us struggle with it, why do our well-meant commitments to launch out into the deep of a life built on & filled with prayer founder on the rocks of distraction, discouragement & even despair? And when it comes to listening to God and hearing His answers - how do we know when we’re hearing from the one who made or when it’s ‘just us’? 

Amy Boucher Pye takes on all these questions and more in this episode of Life Issues.

What side should a Christian take in the debate on assisted suicide? The desire to alleviate suffering at the end of life is certainly a Christian instinct, but does the end justify the means?

In this episode of Life Issues James Mildred seeks to bring some much-needed clarity to this ethical quandary.

Three million girls across the world are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) every year. Ann-Marie Wilson has dedicated her life to ending this cruel practice and shares with Vicky the challenges still to overcome and the hope she has for the future.

How tough is the road to rehabilitation and what difference can prison workers make to those on this journey? Governor Nicola Marfleet shares her insight on these issues as she discusses what life is like behind bars.

How can we better respond to parents struggling with the diagnosis of a life limiting condition for their baby or for those who are bereaved of a new child? 

Karen and Gordon Palmer share their emotional journey of losing baby Jennifer and provide guidance on how Christians can better support those struggling with this same heartbreak.

Martin Luther King Jnr, the black American Civil Rights Leader of the 20th Century famously spoke of black boys and girls holding hands with white boys and girls as brothers and sisters. So why in the next century does this still remain a dream for so many? 

In this Life Issues, we’ll be focusing on the subject of Racism and what we as Christians can do to make the dream a reality in our own lives, church and wider society. Paul Hammond is joined by Chine McDonald, Author of 'God Is Not A White Man' and Dr Krish Kandiah.

Ever notice how Doubt gets a bad press in Christianity? Always seen as a negative & dangerous, but what if doubt is not always the evil pitfall, but is sometimes the compost from which the green shoots of faith can spring? What if the danger is not that we doubt, but that we deny doubt, pretend that it does not exist & so do not handle it well what if that is the real issue & the real pitfall.

Brian McLaren is author of ‘Faith after Doubt - Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It’

In a second Life Issues dedicated to the theme of ‘Immanuel – God with us’ Martin Ayres unpacks the profound reality of what the promise of God’s presence means for every-day life.

God’s presence with his people has looked different at different points in history. In this episode of Life Issues Dr Jon Andrews takes us on a fascinating journey to explore these different manifestations in celebration of our 2021 Christmas theme ‘Immanuel-God with us in our everyday life’.

During Advent, how can we get back to the truth at the heart of Christmas? 

Tony Watkins unwraps some of the misconceptions around the Christmas story and encourages a rethink of our traditional festivities to help focus our minds on the real reason for the season.

What factors make a young person susceptible to leading a life of violence? And what does it take for them to choose a better path instead? Claud Jackson addresses these questions with his own personal insights and powerfully testifies to how a loving God can redeem broken lives in this episode of Life Issues.

According to the NHS 1 in 4 adults are struggling with obesity. It might seem an uncomfortable subject to address, but given the command we have to love our neighbours, is there a role for Christians to better support those around them living with obesity? 

Mark Daly joins Vicky Gibbens to share his professional expertise on the subject.

Throughout history the message of the church to single people about sex has been clear, just say no. But is it that easy when the need for intimacy is such a powerful driver? Is it enough to be told don’t do? Or does the human heart need a better reason? After all we live in a world where, even in church, celibacy is seen as a bit anachronistic, so how do we stay true to God’s call?

Kat Harris, author of Sexless in the City, joins Paul Hammond on Life Issues.

How do you restore a marriage? There are some regular suggestions as to how might approach that, talking things through, counselling, maybe even some time apart. You don’t often see the suggestion of a 320 mile backpacking pilgrimage across France as a route back to happiness. I mean, life’s hard enough when your marriage is in tatters without adding blisters in, but if you believe in marriage, believe in trying to fix not abandon that which is broken & believe in God’s calling on your lives as a couple. Maybe it’s not so strange.

We live in a world that revolves around people pleasing, but how does it impact on our ability to please God? Andy and Cath Taylor join Paul to consider why we people please and how we can avoid living for the approval of man.

University is a time of unique challenges and opportunities for the young believer. Lizzie Fry is on a mission in this episode of Life Issues to encourage Christian students to make the most of it, sharing advice from her own experience of navigating university life.

Fake news is a hot topic in our media saturated world. How good are we as Christians at knowing fact from fiction? 

Paul Woolley joins Paul to discuss the importance of discerning ‘the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth’.

Feeling apathetic about doing church in the real world again? 

Rachel Jordan-Wolf from Hope Together shares her enthusiasm for church and encourages us to recommit to showing up and getting involved in fellowship and service.