In this thoughtful and engaging conversation, Louisa Lockwood is joined by bestselling author and theologian Philip Yancey, along with theologian and poet Carolyn Whittenall, to explore Yancey’s latest book, A Companion in Crisis (Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd, 2022).

The book is a modern paraphrase of John Donne’s Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, written while Donne was seriously ill during the bubonic plague of the 1600s. Yancey shares how Donne’s raw reflections on suffering, faith, illness, mortality, and trust in God feel strikingly relevant today.

Together, they discuss:

• John Donne’s life as a priest and poet during a time of plague
• Why Donne’s struggles with doubt and death still resonate today
• How faith can survive — and even deepen — in times of crisis
• The communal nature of suffering and our call to compassion
• Why ancient spiritual writings still matter in the modern world

This conversation offers hope, honesty, and depth, inviting listeners to wrestle with big questions and discover how Donne’s words can guide us through our own seasons of pain and uncertainty.

✨ Whether you’re interested in Christian faith, theology, spiritual resilience, John Donne, or finding meaning in suffering, this discussion will encourage and challenge you.

This interview is from 2022 but still offers clarity and wisdom to us today. Leave a comment or review our podcast to learn more.

To view the Bible Month resource: https://www.preachweb.org/biblemonth

In this conversation, Andy Peck and Dr. Andrew Ollerton discuss Andrew's book, God's Book: An Honest Look at the Bible's Seven Toughest Topics,* exploring challenging themes within the Bible. He emphasises the importance of context, Christ, and community in understanding these topics, while also addressing the complexities of progressive revelation, science and faith, and the emotional weight of discussing judgment and hell. Andrew encourages open dialogue and acknowledges the diversity of thought within Christianity, aiming to provide a resource that opens up discussion and understanding among readers and congregations.

To purchase God's Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399806459?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_22AEYXGH047CSG8H0ZGF

To view the resources for churches and small groups - andrewollerton.com

Takeaways

• The seven topics chosen reflect the challenges faced in contemporary culture.
• Context is crucial for understanding difficult biblical passages.
• Reading the Bible in light of Christ is essential.
• Community engagement is key to making sense of tough topics.
• Progressive revelation helps us understand the development of biblical themes.
• Personal perspectives can shift through in-depth research.
• Judgment and hell are emotionally challenging topics to address.
• Preachers should embrace a range of views on secondary issues.
• The book aims to be a resource for both individuals and congregations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tough Topics in the Bible

04:05 The Seven Toughest Topics Explored

07:53 Progressive Revelation: Understanding Biblical Context

11:25 Researching Creation and Science

13:54 Changing Perspectives Through Research

17:13 Emotional Challenges of Judgment and Hell

20:31 Navigating Certainty in Preaching

23:53 Utilizing the Book in Church Settings

The Word Shared is a podcast from the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust and Preach magazine.

*This interview was sponsored by Hodder Faith.

To learn more about the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust visit - https://lwpt.org.uk/

To become a member and receive Preach magazine - https://www.preachweb.org/membership

In this Preach archival conversation, Elaine Storkey discusses her insights on the Gospel of Matthew, exploring themes such as genealogy, prophecy, social action, and the role of women in the New Testament. Elaine emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context of biblical texts and the need for greater biblical literacy in contemporary society. She also highlights the significance of women's voices in the early church and the ongoing relevance of Jesus's teachings in today's world.

Book references:

Meeting God in Matthew by Elaine Storkey (SPCK, 2022)

Women in a Patriarchal World: Twenty-five Empowering Stories from the Bible by Elaine Storkey (SPCK, 2020)

Takeaways

• Elaine Storkey emphasizes the Jewish context of Matthew's Gospel.
• The nativity story according to Matthew and the Christmas message.
• God's message is inclusive, reaching out to all backgrounds.
• Education in churches is crucial for understanding biblical texts.
• Prophecy in the Bible has deeper meanings beyond initial fulfillment.
• Social action is a natural outcome of genuine faith.
• Jesus's teachings on divorce protect vulnerable individuals.
• The Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus highlights redemption.
• Women played significant roles in the early church, as seen in Priscilla's leadership.
• Understanding the intent of biblical texts is essential for interpretation.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring 'Meeting God in Matthew'

06:53 The Significance of Genealogy in Matthew

09:59 Understanding Prophecy and Its Deeper Meanings

12:56 Social Action and the Gospel's Call

16:48 Jesus' Radical View on Marriage and Divorce

20:20 The Samaritan Woman: A Case Study in Redemption

25:12 Mary Magdalene: Apostle to the Apostles

31:09 Women in the Early Church and Paul's Teachings