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Bible
Reading the Bible in a year
Alex Noel challenged herself to read every part of the Bible – and found her life changed as a result
Five things I have learned about… reading the Bible
Cathy Madavan gives us some helpful advice on how to approach God’s word
Jesus the entertainer
Elaine Storkey looks at the skilful way Jesus told stories that drew people in, but ultimately challenged them
There is no biblical justification for persecuting women
Elaine Storkey unpacks an Old Testament example of disturbing patriarchal violence, before revealing how the New Testament highlights the high value God places on women
Deconstructing faith is trending – but hold on to your Bibles
Author, worship leader and respected apologetics speaker, Alisa Childers addresses the topic of deconstruction head on, giving us insight into her upcoming book, The Deconstruction of Christianity
Do Christians believe in evolution?
Elizabeth Cole, author of God’s Cosmic Cookbook, shares that there's space for God and science.
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‘We too are commissioned to continue Jesus’ mission’
Elaine Storkey looks at two biblical passages in which God commissioned people – and shows us that we are called to the same mission today
God’s creative work is outstanding, but we are failing to look after it
Elaine Storkey looks at what the Bible says about God’s love of creation, his ownership of it and what our responsibility towards it should be
What it means to be on mission for Jesus
Elaine Storkey reflects on the legacy of a faithful friend – as well as Jesus’ instructions to his followers – to share principles we can all live by
Understanding the Gospels
Elaine Storkey shares how she approached writing her latest book, Meeting God in Matthew (SPCK). In doing so, she provides tips for readers’ own close study of the Bible.
I experienced ‘post-book grief’ after reading books on the occult but it led me back to the Bible
Kate Orson loves to get lost in a book, but after feeling bereft at the end of her last, she felt drawn back to the Bible.
Does Jesus really want us to give away all we have?
Elaine Storkey challenges the usual interpretation of the New Testament story of the widow’s offering, and reveals what we can learn from it today
Women have never held power in patriarchal societies but we can still effect significant change
Elaine Storkey unpacks the biblical story of Esther’s to reveal her courage in risking her own security to preserve the lives of others
‘Sick people matter’
Elaine Storkey looks at how the Gospel writers highlighted Jesus’ compassion towards the sick, focusing in on two specific healings noted uniquely by doctor Luke
Bible Study: Have you ever heard of the female apostle?
Elaine Storkey reveals there were many notable female leaders recognised by Paul, and even an apostle: Junia
God has a heart for children
The Bible is full of stories about children, which shows us how important they are to God. Elaine Storkey believes the way Jesus interacted with children gives us a blueprint to follow today too
Visited by angels
Elaine Storkey takes a closer look at two vital angelic visitations in the Christmas story
The Queen, the Church and the gospel
Elaine Storkey explains Her Majesty’s role as ‘head’ of the Church of England, and reflects on how diligently she undertook it
I think horoscopes are nonsense but I see a lot of Christians treating their daily Bible reading like it’s a fortune cookie and that has to stop
Are we all constantly searching for hints and premonitions of what’s to come in our lives? Writer Veronica Zundel explains that, while she thinks horoscopes are nonsense, she’s seen plenty of Christians use the Bible as though it’s their daily fortune cookie and that’s a shame because it has so much more to offer.
From NIV to King James, this is what your favourite Bible translation says about you - so are you calm or more of a perfectionist?
Here, English Literature expert Yasmin Attwood explores the different translations of the Bible and what your favourite may mean about you. From the historical King James to the compassionate New Living translation - so which are you?
From Mara to Naomi: What’s in a name?
Elaine Storkey unpacks this story in the book of Ruth, encouraging us to not only be open about our struggles but also to the possibility of God’s restoration
Bible Study: A representative for all faithful women of God
Elaine Storkey opens up the story of the mother of the Sons of Zebedee, showing how costly following Jesus would have been for her
I raised more than £1k learning Psalm 22 in Hebrew, but memorising it with my 80-year-old mum was the biggest benefit
Writer Anne E Thompson felt inspired to learn Psalm 22 in Hebrew in order to improve her grasp on the language and to test her memorising skills after a brain injury. But the real perk of the exercise was doing it with her mother.
Struggling to read the Bible? There’s a game for that!
Alice Bond’s passion for communicating the Bible found a new outlet, which God had given her in a dream: Biblios, the Bible in a box
Tamar: God can redeem any story
Widowed twice, sent home in disgrace, prostituted to her own father-in-law, this woman from Jesus’ genealogy lived a life full of shame at the hands of men, and yet Elaine Storkey reveals how the grace and blessing of God was on her life
Women have always been central to the story of Christianity
Professors Joan Taylor and Helen Bond talk about the women they discovered when researching early Christianity, and the book that contains their findings, Women Remembered
An unnamed Biblical woman reminds us never to cling onto something small when God says to give it up, he has so much more in store
Despite the Bible never giving her name, Ros Clarke explains why she is inspired by the incredible faith of the widow of Zarephath, who used her last oil and flour to make bread for Elijah.
Jezebel – how evil was she really?
Elaine Storkey unpacks Jezebel’s background, revealing that idolatry was her major downfall
If you thought Jesus only surrounded himself with men… think again
Following the success of their documentary Jesus’ Female Disciples: the New Evidence, Helen Bond and Joan Taylor have written a book with an in depth look at the stories of the women in Jesus’ life.
Bible Study on Lent: Jesus’ example in the wilderness
Elaine Storkey on how Lent reminds us to recognise the power of evil and to take sin seriously
You are never alone
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, romance is in the air. It is everywhere around us – in advertisements, retail shops and in the eyes of every couple passing by on the street. While this is beautiful to see, it can make some people feel alone and abandoned.
Hagar: Trafficking and sex slavery
Elaine Storkey looks at the story of this biblical character and highlights what we can learn from her life
Strange wisdom for 2022?
Elaine Storkey gives us four lessons from the perplexing book of Ecclesiastes
Laughing children, hot chocolate and a snoring dog on a lazy Sunday afternoon…
Maxine Hallett reflects on her journey towards God, and the sanctuary she now calls home
You can thrive during menopause!
Dr Olúṣẹ̀yẹ Àríkàwé rounds off our special three-part series on the menopause
Home is...a place to belong
Elaine Storkey unpacks what the Bible says about the significance of our homes
‘I have come to think that patriarchy is inherently violent’
Veronica Zundel questions why the Bible is so full of strong, decisive women if we were created to be subservient under a complementarian system she claims was originally introduced to get women back into the home
‘Sadly, bullying seems to be part of our human journey’
Kate Neal says the growth of social media seems to have created a society in which bullying is more prevalent than ever before, with devastating and even life-altering effects
‘We play a significant role in far too many wars’
Elaine Storkey reminds us of that we should seek the peace that Jesus gives, for all of us
Who interprets history?
Elaine Storkey shows us why history is vital, through the story of Stephen
Clues from the past
Maxine Hallett grew up not going to church but, looking back at her family history, is inspired by her great grandfather
As darkness threatens Afghanistan, how can we pray?
Clare Blake explores how we can pray for the people of Afghanistan as they face a grim future under the Taliban, with special insight from an Afghan believer
Has Love Island been redeemed?
Love Island may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but as the latest series finishes, Sarah Carter reflects on her belief that when women like Kaz and Liberty have each other’s backs, there’s no limit to what they can achieve
‘As God’s daughter I know that I am a work in progress’
‘As God’s daughter I know that I am a work in progress’’God has helped me embrace the identity of the person he knew from the moment he created me’Maxine Hallett shares how she found her identity in Christ, and how she prays her children will too
'Christian identity is always linked with Jesus’ identity’
Elaine Storkey explains that our security lies in our relationship with the God who made us and knows us
Struggling with my faith
Maxine Hallett shares honestly about her recent dark moods, which she has discovered are due to the menopause, and how they have made her feel far from God.
Community and creation
Margot R Hodson, director of theology and education at the John Ray Initiative, shares how their village grew community at the same time as caring for creation
Praising through the pain
Songwriter and worship leader Sarah Téibo shares candidly how hard it can be to worship in the most excruciating moments of life – and yet encourages us all to do so.
On the ground in Israel
Elizabeth Atteih is based in Haifa, where her husband is pastor of their church. Here she describes what life was like during the latest escalation of the conflict between Israel and Palestine – and how she feels about the current cease fire.
Shame and the Church
Have you ever felt like you don’t quite fit in at church or that somehow you are inadequate? Dr Sally Nash has done research into people’s experiences of shame within churches. She shares her findings here with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues.
What the minor prophets can teach us about suffering
Where do you turn to when you’re struggling? Chances are that you don’t turn to the books of the minor prophets in the Bible, but author Debbie Duncan shared with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues why these books are full of gems that are helpful for life in the 21st century.
‘Angels appear to me’
Minister Charlynne Boddie has had numerous angelic encounters. Here is a snippet of the story she shared with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues.
Finding hope in the wilderness
There has been a lot of talk about hope in recent days. We remain hopeful that lockdown will continue to ease in the way the government has outlined. We are hopeful that we can visit friends and family – and even stay with them. We hope that we will soon be able to sing alongside our church family again.
'Jesus appeared to me in a dream'
Like Joseph in the Bible, Naomi Chamroo grew up having dreams that confused both her and her family. She tells Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues how an encounter with God gave her the answers she was searching for
‘I’m not a mum but I’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day this year’
A traumatic baby loss meant Woman Alive editor Tola-Doll Fisher avoided Mother’s Day for years. Here’s why she wants this year to be different
IWD 2021: Thank you to our women of faith
When my synagogue put out its first call for Covid volunteers, incredibly now a full year ago, over 600 replied, and 75% of them were women. I for one was not remotely surprised.
God in the mess
Meet Clare and Lydia. Two women of faith who support young people coming out of homelessness, leaving behind care, traumatic childhoods or abusive relationships.
Learning to celebrate in a time of lament
We are in difficult times but we can choose to focus on God’s goodness as we celebrate each other this month in International Women’s Day and Mothering Sunday
Do we need a #MeToo movement for women in The Church?
Woman Alive editor Tola-Doll Fisher shares her personal experience of abuse in the Church and says we need to ask some hard questions about our culture
A different kind of love story
This Valentine's Day, Woman Alive editor Tola-Doll Fisher wonders why we only attribute 1 Corinthians 13 to marriage ceremonies...
How has COVID-19 affected our attitude towards Ash Wednesday?
Writer Florence Gildea encourages us to use this time to reflect on God's blessing of humanity
Can Elton John really help us think about Lent?
Rachel Mann's latest book is a Lent course based on the Elton John film, Rocketman
Violence against Christians in Nigeria is spiralling out of control
In 2017 Amina was part of a group kidnapped by Muslim terrorists and held hostage for eight months. Five years before, the terrorists came to her home and slaughtered her husband. Premier reporter Tola Mbakwe spoke with Amina about her experience
Let God help you redefine 'Blue Monday'
As Christians, we should look to change the narrative of what is said to be the most depressing day of the year
Will a lockdown Christmas bring us closer to God?
COVID-19 has forced many of us to scale down our Christmas plans but writer Sheila Jacobs says that may turn out to be a blessing
Feelings of sin and guilt can separate us from God
Maxine Hallett reflects on the doubts and insecurities than can so often push us away from the God who loves us
‘I hope the COVID-19 vaccine might help me get my freedom back’
With news of a more serious wave of the COVID-19 virus, a Home Help for Age UK is relieved that her neighbour and friend is now further protected
COVID-19 vaccine available in GP surgeries
A Christian GP comments on the recent news that the COVID-19 vaccine is being made available to patients from GP surgeries in more than 100 locations in England
My children were sexually abused
Debi Ray Rivers is founder of SCARS, a ministry seeking to educate adults about sex abuse in an attempt to prevent it happening to children. She herself was the product of rape and was abused as a child, so it was heart-breaking when she discovered a family member had been abusing her daughters. She shared the story with Premier radio presenter, Maria Rodrigues
Women around the world are bracing for a hard Christmas
As countries implemented lockdown measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus, violence against women, especially domestic violence, intensified this year. The UN is calling on activists and civil society groups to wear the colour orange to raise awareness of the many women in vulnerable positions around the world
Finding God in broken dreams
Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues spoke to author Rachel Wright about the way God has taught her important lessons through the difficult path she has walked parenting a child with disabilities
‘Everyone looks forward to Christmas except me’
Author Sheila Jacobs explains why Christmas has never been her favourite time of year
What does Christmas mean to Jesus?
A new book on advent offers a unique take on the Christmas season
There are more important things in life than walking
Joni Eareckson Tada shares how she learned to be thankful for God’s sovereignty
The Queen we don’t see on TV's 'The Crown'
Faith is a key component to the Queen’s remarkable longevity, explains lifestyle researcher Bryan Kozlowski in this excerpt from his new book, Long Live the Queen! 23 Rules for Living from Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch
It is not well with my soul
What truths can you turn to when the world is crumbling around you?
Dilemma over my dying dog
Premier radio presenter Selene Jordan explains the wrestle she had with her beloved pet
A prayer for a life in ruins
Sometimes we wonder where God is when shadows seem too deep. But author Liz Carter says it's sometimes in the darkest corners we find unexpected treasure
A lesson from baby loss
Woman Alive editor Tola-Doll Fisher explains how God invited her to bless pregnant women rather than envying them following the death of her own daughter
What has God called you to do in this season?
Iona Rossely, once a speed skier hurtling through life at an incredible pace, shares how slowing down to listen to God has become her new mission
Engaging millennials in mission
Compassion’s Jared Brown shares what he learned from 100 young people about their heart for others
Would you give up everything to follow Jesus?
Sheila Jacobs reflects on what this call meant for the first disciples and whether she would have done the same
Friday reflections – Living in the now
Writer Sheila Jacobs shares the lessons she has learned from Ignatian prayer
‘God has always been with me, even when I did not recognise him’
A reverend with a penchant for painting shares how this therapeutic practice allowed her to confront her struggles with faith
Is Jesus still enough?
Many people have said that they drew closer to God during lockdown but for others, it has exposed profound isolation
God may surprise you
Writer and Editor Sheila Jacobs was recovering from a debilitating illness when she finally stepped into the calling on her life. Could now be the time for you to step into yours?
Six things you need to know about life with God
In August we start a new series on the life lessons from ordinary women of faith. Rosalie is in her 70s, here are six key things she wants to share with you
What are you sowing in this season?
Lisa Bevere shares what God has been saying to her during lockdown, why her new book Strong is so relevant for these times and why she rejects the message she has consistently heard – that she is ‘too strong’
A prayer for freedom
Today is Leah Sharibu’s birthday. CSW is inviting us to pray for her release on this special day when this teenager remains far from family and friends
“When this is over, I’m going to dance”
Kiri Kankhwende suffers from a chronic condition which affects her immune system. Here she explains the unexpected healing she has experienced during lockdown
‘I’m using my time on furlough to finish my novel’
Once over the shock, Jemimah Wright says being furloughed could be a blessing in disguise
For many people with disabilities, isolation is nothing new
Wheelchair user Fiona Gosden says the current universal experience in lockdown is what disabled people have always known
God’s presence is what he promises… and it’s more than enough
Glenna Marshall explains to Claire Musters that, even through immense suffering, she has learned that God’s presence is the only answer to our heart’s longings
Our silence betrays Nigeria’s massacred Christians
Charity Open Doors report on why we should be praying for our sisters and brothers overseas
A prayer for unborn children
Reader Angie Jones is supporting the call to prayer by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children
We need to pray for our nation
Pastor John of Strengthen the Faithful felt God guide him to write the Wartime Miracles Leaflet and circulate it around thousands of churches and prayer groups. It calls for Christians to earnestly intercede with Almighty God for our nation, in the knowledge of how he so clearly answered similar prayers of faith during the Second World War
‘The foundations on which we have built our lives are crumbling'
In this personal essay, Angie Jones says at the heart of the current pandemic, is a cry for us all to come back to God
The day Whatsapp caught fire
As the arrival of Coronavirus sparks a blaze across social media, journalist Mary Joseph describes how SAT-7’s voice is being heard above the clamour while the country’s churches are silenced
There are always empty seats in Church on Mothering Sunday
Today, most if not all churches in the UK will be empty. But Lizzie Lowrie reminds us that even before the Corona Virus pandemic, many avoid church every year on Mothering Sunday
God vs COVID-19
Woman Alive contributor Maxine Hallett wonders where we find God when the world seems in turmoil amongst the Corona Virus pandemic
Plugging into the power
Penelope Wilcock shows us how women were empowered in Luke’s Gospel, and encourages us to seek the power of the Holy Spirit in our own lives
Trusting God – in the good and bad times
Nancy Goudie tells us about the incredible ministry she and her husband set up, and how she learned to truly trust God
“The God I’ve encountered is different to what you’re making him sound like now”
?Katia Adams spoke to Claire Musters about a childhood begun in Iran, seeing the radical faith of her parents and grandparents outworked, feeling called to be a leader – and why she had to wrestle with the gender debate for herself.
Sing your way through suffering
When we sing to the Lord, it can bring healing of a different kind says Joni Eareakson Tada
Bible feasting
God’s Word is food for the soul and he has prepared a feast for us, says Sandy Mayle ...
Bouquets and barbed wire
Life doesn’t always work out how we planned, but we can trust God to lead us through, says Penelope Wilcock
Why we gather together
Meeting together as the Church on Sunday is more than singing a few songs, listening to a sermon and sharing coffee afterwards, says Mark Waterfield
The Fatherhood of God
God wants a real relationship with each one of us, says Tracy Williamson, who shares how her relationship with God has changed
Creative ways to pray
Sometimes we struggle to find the words to express our hopes, fears or failings in prayer. Here are seven creative ideas to help us draw near to the one who is always ready to meet with us
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How the psalms can help us pray through all life's experiences
The truth about Christmas
It goes so much deeper than a baby born in a manger, says Veronica Zundel
The faith of Martha
There’s more to her story than being preoccupied with routine, says Elaine Storkey.
A prayer for Christmas
Majestic Lord, creator of the stars. You set them all in place, ordaining that one would direct the Magi to Bethlehem to welcome, and worship, your son Jesus. May I seek Jesus with the same fervour, and worship at ...
12 ways to study the Bible
Sometimes trying something new is the key to unlocking God’s Word ...
Six tips for a holy holiday
Jo Swinney says holidays are an opportunity to refresh our body, mind and spirit
How I learnt to see myself as God sees me
What do you believe about yourself? Jo Swinney shares what helped her to leave behind a poor self-image
Keep your face to the Son
Joni Eareckson Tada recalls spring days on the family farm and the lesson of the tomato seed
What the women of the Bible can teach us today
Elaine Storkey begins a new series of studies focusing on women in the Bible and the challenges they faced.
How to finish well
Confronting the idea of our own mortality or losing those we love is something most people avoid, but in doing so we relinquish control of what happens to us in our final moments and we miss out on a great opportunity, says Ann Clifford.
Facing the year ahead
Have you suffered a difficult year – or years? Anne Le Tissier draws lessons and encouragement from the life of David
I'm just a mum who paints
Hannah Dunnett’s watercolour paintings combined with Scripture are sold throughout the UK. She talks to Sandie Shirley about how it all began ...
Do you reflect the kindness of God?
This heart-warming story challenges us to consider how we treat others, says Anne Le Tissier ...
Joni Eareckson Tada
The Japanese art form that teaches us about God's grace
Thy Kingdom Come
Inspiring stories from women who took part last year
What I've learned about prayer
Pete Greig talks to Claire Musters about the struggles, the miracles and the lessons he's learned about talking with God ...
When God says, "Not Yet"
Lyndall Bywater shares her journey of faith and how she coped with waiting for one of her prayers to be answered ...
How do you react under pressure?
Anne Le Tissier explores the life of King David and draws out some lessons on how handle stress in a godly way ...
Bible art
Find a new way of engaging with scripture using creativity. Deborah Gregg shows us what she has been doing ...
Draw closer to God
Liz Jennings explores ways to tap into your creativity and allow God to speak to you ...
My season of searching
Sarah Bessey loved Jesus, but left church disillusioned. She tells Amy Boucher Pye about the struggles she faced – and how she came to return ...
A mouse and a lobster
Two very different creatures, but God used them both to encourage Jennifer Rees Larcombe ...
Not too late with God
Instead of allowing failure or wrong choices to hold us back. Anne Le Tissier shows how God can offer us second chances ...
Treasure hunters
Susan Baxter overcame her shyness and discovered she could share her faith through the Treasure Hunt Ministry. Here she explains ...
Winter in your soul?
Jill Rattle explores the winter season of our souls and has tips on getting through when your faith is weak ...
Will I have children?
Nicola Jackson shares how faith has helped her through the disappointment of failed attempts at having a baby ...
Seeking guidance
In our preoccupation with making the 'right' decisions to know what to do next, Lucy Mills suggests the ways that God wants to lead us forward
My real healing
Jennifer Rees Larcombe reflects on the emotional healing that took place six years before her physical healing miracle in 1990 ...
My dream came true
When Lyn wrote out her future hopes, God took them literally ...
God will never let go
Prison chaplain and radio presenter Sharon Grenham-Toze reveals how she discovered that God holds on to us through all situations
Now faith is real
Kasey Van Norman reveals how God used her life-threatening physical illness to challenge her faith and make it more real than she had even known before
Don't give up on church
Whatever our experiences of church, Amy Boucher-Pye explains why church is God's vessel on earth and we should not give up on it.
Walk way of St James
Stephanie Pena shares her experience of when she and her family followed an ancient pilgrim way
Andrew's homecoming
A touching short story by Fran Bovington
The confidence gap
Nicola Hulks on your confidence ... and God's plans
February 2013 Into the Word
God is always ready to forgive and enable us to move on, says Anne Le Tissier
January 2013 Living Faith
Discover why being thankful can be a blessing – and how you can nurture a thankful heart
May 2012 My Story
How a brush with death gave a pregnant nurse a fresh outlook
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