Teaching for today

In the news this week: The Government publishes its long-awaited gambling review, Home Secretary Suella Braverman tells the police to pursue criminals rather than promoting wokery, and we reflect on Britain’s 55 years of abortion shame.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/TheChristianInstitute/NewsBulletin/2023/28+Apr+23+CI+News+YT.mp4">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
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 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/govt-urged-to-act-now-as-long-delayed-review-to-tackle-gambling-crisis-drags-on/?v280423">Govt urged to ‘act now’ as long-delayed review to tackle gambling crisis drags on</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/fight-crime-not-free-speech-home-secretary-tells-police/?v280423">‘Fight crime not free speech’ Home Secretary tells police</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/review-launched-over-census-dodgy-trans-data/?v280423">Review launched over census’ dodgy trans data</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/features/55-years-of-britains-abortion-shame/?v280423">55 years of Britain’s abortion shame</a></li>
 
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In the news this week: Rishi Sunak backs the ‘fundamental importance’ of biological sex, the Netherlands expands euthanasia to children of all ages, and we remember the life of the evangelist and founder of Operation Mobilisation George Verwer.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/7fopexs1fm4zv6s/21%20Apr%2023%20CI%20News%20YT.mp4?dl=0">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
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 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/pm-biological-sex-is-fundamentally-important/?v210423">PM: ‘Biological sex is fundamentally important’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/backlash-to-wi-forcing-groups-to-admit-men/?v210423">Backlash to WI ‘forcing groups to admit men’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/euthanasia-to-be-available-to-all-dutch-children/?v210423">Euthanasia to be available to all Dutch children</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/george-verwer-1938-2023-a-loving-friend-with-a-big-heart-for-jesus/?v210423">George Verwer 1938-2023: ‘A loving friend with a big heart for Jesus’</a></li>
 
 </ul>

In the news this week: Holyrood announces a legal challenge against Westminster’s decision to block its ‘sex-swap’ Bill, Anglican church leaders say they can no longer recognise the Church of England’s leadership, after bishops voted to bless same-sex partners and an event discussing the harm of trans ideology in Scottish schools has gone ahead, despite fears trans activists would protest against it.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/TheChristianInstitute/NewsBulletin/2023/14+Apr+23+CI+News+YT.mp4">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
 <ul class="list">
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/humza-yousuf-will-challenge-westminsters-veto-on-sex-swap-bill/?v140423">Humza Yousuf will challenge Westminster’s veto on ‘sex-swap’ Bill</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/cofes-leadership-has-abandoned-the-true-gospel-of-jesus-christ-by-blessing-same-sex-partners/?v140423">CofE’s leadership has abandoned ‘the true gospel of Jesus Christ’ by blessing same-sex partners</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/campaigners-welcome-westminsters-rejection-of-smacking-ban/?v140423">Campaigners welcome Westminster’s rejection of smacking ban</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/scot-education-event-to-go-ahead-after-concerns-over-trans-activists/?v140423">Scot education event to go ahead after concerns over trans activists</a></li>
 </ul>

In the news this week: The Equalities Commission advises the Government to adopt a biological definition of sex in law, Church leaders in Scotland warn Holyrood not to criminalise ordinary Christians with a broad conversion therapy ban, and a baby given only 48 hours to live finally returns home after a two year stay in hospital.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/TheChristianInstitute/NewsBulletin/2023/6+Apr+23+CI+News+YT.mp4">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
 <ul class="list">
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/church-leaders-warn-scot-govt-not-to-criminalise-christians-for-upholding-marriage/?v060423">Church leaders warn Scot Govt not to criminalise Christians for upholding marriage</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/kemi-badenoch-schools-need-robust-guidance-on-gender/?v060423">Kemi Badenoch: ‘Schools need robust guidance on gender’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/lord-alton-we-ignore-workplace-religious-discrimination-at-our-peril/?v060423">Lord Alton: ‘We ignore workplace religious discrimination at our peril’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/baby-given-48-hours-to-live-now-two-years-old-and-getting-stronger-every-day/?v060423">Baby given 48 hours to live now two years old and ‘getting stronger every day’</a></li>
 
 </ul>

Dave Greatorex, the CI’s Head of Research, outlines the biblical doctrine that underpins why the Institute does what it does, as well as explaining the reasoning for why we campaign on some issues but not others.

In the news this week: The Government is accused of presiding over a gender ideology safeguarding scandal in schools, Scotland’s newly elected First Minister vows to push through the SNP’s stalled ‘sex swap’ Bill, and Christian MP Nick Fletcher shares the Gospel with fellow Parliamentarians.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/TheChristianInstitute/NewsBulletin/2023/31+Mar+23+CI+News+YT.mp4">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
 <ul class="list">
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/policy-exchange-exposes-safeguarding-blind-spot-on-sex-and-gender-in-schools/?v310323">‘Safeguarding blind spot’ on sex and gender in schools exposed</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/roi-pastors-stop-pushing-porn-and-trans-ideology-on-school-kids/?v310323">ROI pastors: ‘Stop pushing porn and trans ideology on school kids’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/humza-yousaf-i-will-push-through-scotlands-vetoed-sex-swap-bill/?v310323">Humza Yousaf: ‘I will push through Scotland’s vetoed sex-swap Bill’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/preemie-triplets-celebrated-as-world-record-breakers/?v310323">Preemie triplets celebrated as world record breakers</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/christian-mp-shares-the-gospel-in-parliament/?v310323">Christian MP shares the Gospel in Parliament</a></li>
 
 </ul>

In the news this week: Controversial sex ed charity Educate and Celebrate is accused of deceiving schools over Ofsted endorsement, a new survey suggests online pornography is fuelling a rise in sexual assaults in schools, and Conservative MPs have urged the Government to give more support to stay-at-home mums.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/uyot79l3dm3hi8i/24%20Mar%2023%20CI%20News%20YT.mp4?dl=0">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
 <ul class="list">
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/controversial-sex-ed-charity-accused-of-falsely-claiming-ofsted-endorsement/?v240323">Controversial sex ed charity accused of falsely claiming Ofsted endorsement</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/imposing-same-sex-weddings-on-cofe-is-not-the-job-of-parliament/?v240323">‘Imposing same-sex weddings on CofE is not the job of Parliament’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/one-in-five-kids-exposed-to-violent-online-porn-by-age-twelve/?v240323">Rise in sexual assaults in schools linked to online porn</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/mps-back-stay-at-home-mums/?v240323">MPs back stay-at-home mums</a></li>
 
 </ul>

In the news this week: The Government instructs police officers to uphold the freedom to disagree, a group of MPs are seeking to impose same-sex marriage on the CofE, and a baby deemed to have a less than ten per cent chance of survival is now six months old.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/TheChristianInstitute/NewsBulletin/2023/17+Mar+23+CI+News+YT.mp4">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
 <ul class="list">
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/police-told-to-uphold-freedom-to-disagree-with-same-sex-marriage/?v170323">Police told to uphold freedom to disagree with same-sex marriage</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/mps-brazen-attack-seeks-to-impose-same-sex-marriage-on-cofe/?v170323">MPs’ ‘brazen attack’ seeks to impose same-sex marriage on CofE</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/legal-experts-reject-muddled-thinking-of-assisted-suicide-devotees/?v170323">Legal experts reject ‘muddled thinking’ of assisted suicide devotees</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/baby-born-at-22-weeks-defying-doctors-expectations/?v170323">Baby born at 22 weeks defying doctors’ expectations</a></li>
 
 </ul>

In the news this week: The Prime Minister commits to reviewing controversial sex ed material in schools, MPs strike down a move to make it clear that people are free to pray silently in abortion clinic censorship zones, and record-breaking premature twins celebrate their first birthday.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/rkdkxubbmyt3z9o/10%20Mar%2023%20CI%20News%20YT.mp4?dl=0">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
 <ul class="list">
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/pm-agrees-to-urgent-review-of-inappropriate-sex-ed-materials/?v100323">PM agrees to urgent review of inappropriate sex ed materials</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/censorship-zones-mps-reject-attempt-to-clarify-that-silent-prayer-is-lawful/?v100323">Censorship zones: MPs reject attempt to clarify that silent prayer is lawful</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/backlash-as-prince-harry-champions-self-medicating-drug-abuse/?v100323">Backlash as Prince Harry champions ‘self-medicating’ drug abuse</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/record-breaking-preemie-twins-celebrate-1st-birthday/?v100323">Record breaking preemie twins celebrate 1st birthday</a></li>
 
 </ul>

In the news this week: A pro-life pregnancy centre is the victim of a hatchet job by BBC’s Panorama, an official report finds little or no evidence of conversion therapy in the Republic of Ireland, and the Isle of Man has withdrawn sex ed lessons promoting radical gender ideology following a backlash from parents.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/TheChristianInstitute/NewsBulletin/2023/3+Mar+23+CI+News+YT.mp4">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
 <ul class="list">
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/panorama-hatchet-job-attacks-pro-life-pregnancy-centre/?v030323">Panorama hatchet job attacks pro-life pregnancy centre</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/little-or-no-evidence-for-conversion-therapy-in-roi-official-report-finds/?v030323">Little or no evidence for ‘conversion therapy’ in ROI, official report finds</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/chaplain-reported-to-anti-terror-unit-for-challenging-lgbt-ideology-will-appeal-case/?v030323">Chaplain reported to anti-terror unit for challenging LGBT ideology will appeal case</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/isle-of-man-halts-sex-ed-lessons-after-drag-queen-told-kids-there-are-73-genders/?v030323">Isle of Man halts sex ed lessons after ‘drag queen told kids there are 73 genders’</a></li>
 
 </ul>

In the news this week: A global group of Anglican bishops announces it cannot remain in communion with the Church of England, a former SNP Minister says the Scottish Government should have heeded women’s concerns over gender self-ID, and a baby born with just half a heart is now almost two years old after his mum turned down an abortion.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/TheChristianInstitute/NewsBulletin/2023/24+Feb+23+CI+News+YT.mp4">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
 <ul class="list">
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/anglicans-we-are-heartbroken-we-can-no-longer-recognise-the-cofes-leadership/?v240223">Anglicans: ‘We are heartbroken we can no longer recognise the CofE’s leadership’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/former-snp-minister-we-should-have-listened-to-womens-concerns-over-gender-self-id/?v240223">Former SNP Minister: ‘We should have listened to women’s concerns over gender self-ID’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/police-scotland-quits-stonewalls-pro-lgbt-scheme/?v240223">Police Scotland quits Stonewall’s pro-LGBT scheme</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/poll-brits-strongly-support-porn-age-verification-checks/?v240223">Poll: Brits strongly support porn age-verification checks</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/baby-born-with-just-half-a-heart-full-of-life-at-almost-two-years-old/?v240223">Baby born with just half a heart full of life at almost two years old</a></li>
 
 </ul>

In the news this week: Further evidence emerges of the shocking ill-treatment of gender-confused children at London’s Tavistock clinic, MP Danny Kruger exposes the dangers of legalising assisted suicide, and magistrates in Birmingham clear pro-life campaigners of all ‘silent prayer’ charges.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/TheChristianInstitute/NewsBulletin/2023/17+Feb+23+CI+News+YT.mp4">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
 <ul class="list">
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/tavistock-expose-a-definitive-record-of-what-happened/?v170223">Tavistock exposé: ‘A definitive record of what happened’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/mp-very-sinister-for-doctors-to-deem-who-is-better-off-dead/?v170223">MP: ‘Very sinister for doctors to deem who is better off dead’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/justice-minister-prisons-need-to-end-drug-addiction-not-accept-it/?v170223">Justice Minister: ‘Prisons need to end drug addiction not accept it’</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/magistrates-clear-pro-lifers-of-all-charges/?v170223">Magistrates clear pro-lifers of all charges</a></li>
 
 </ul>

In the news this week: The Church of England ‘commends’ plans to bless same-sex partners, Christian MPs welcome the Government’s defence of free speech at universities, and the CPS drops charges against a pro-lifer arrested for silently praying near an abortion clinic.
 
 You can download the video via <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/TheChristianInstitute/NewsBulletin/2023/10+Feb+23+CI+News+YT.mp4">this link</a>.
 <h2>Featured stories</h2>
 <ul class="list">
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/a-sad-day-as-cofe-votes-to-bless-same-sex-partners/?v100223">A ‘sad day’ as CofE votes to bless same-sex partners</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/welsh-government-wants-to-make-legal-sex-swaps-much-easier/?v100223">Welsh Government wants to make legal ‘sex swaps’ much easier</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/christian-mps-welcome-govts-stance-on-uni-free-speech/?v100223">Christian MPs welcome Govt’s stance on uni free speech</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.christian.org.uk/news/cps-drops-silent-prayer-against-pro-lifer/?v100223">CPS drops ‘silent prayer’ charges against pro-lifer</a></li>
 
 </ul>

Simon Calvert talks about proposed conversion therapy bans in the UK, as well as extreme legislation in Victoria - explaining why such bans can have a detrimental effect to the freedom of Christians to speak out about their beliefs and to share the Gospel with others.
 
 All information was correct at the time of recording.

Clamping down on illegal online activity is a good thing. But the Government wants to require social media and search engine companies like Facebook, Twitter and Google to protect people from what it calls ‘legal but harmful’ content too. Big Tech shouldn’t get to decide what is and isn’t allowed to be said on controversial issues. Where will this leave mainstream Christian beliefs on sexual ethics, gender, parenting?
 
 The Institute’s Ciarán Kelly and Dave Greatorex discuss some of the problems with the Online Safety Bill.

The media and education loudly proclaim that we are a secular society. Are they right?
 
 Sociologists tend to believe that affluence, universal education, scientific and medical advances mean there is no longer any need to believe in God. They say that secularisation and modernity have gone hand in hand. But how does this claim stand up to scrutiny? Has history been distorted to make secularisation theory more plausible? And has belief persisted in a way which undermines the cherished theory?
 
 <!-- Original post date: 25 Nov 2013 19:30 -->

Dr Nick Needham explains how 'common grace' (God's favour to all men whether they are Christians or not) is so helpful in understanding the work of The Christian Institute.

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.

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

Looking at the start of God's answer to the universal problem of sin. Shown through the establishment of Israel and covenant relationships.Lecture notesThe Covenant Community: Genesis 12 - Deut. 34The Covenant Community: Genesis 12 - Deut. 34. <strong>15 September 1994</strong>

This first lecture in the series gives a brief overview of the Old Testament and then looks at the first eleven chapters of the Bible. Particular focus is given to Creation, the Fall, the Flood and the Scattering.

Ian Cooper talks and leads a discussion based around three questions: What is the role of the church and state? How far can the law be 'Christian'? And finally, how far should the state be 'Christian'?

This workshop has a particular focus on the sanctity of life. It looks, in part, at our society's increasingly humanistic basis for ethics, which gives a very low value to human life.

Ranald Macaulay criticises an introverted mentality amongst Christians. He says Christians must focus on absolute truth and evangelism that penetrates into society.

Is there a crisis in the evangelicalism today? How did the church find itself in this state? What can be done about it now? Ranald Macaulay provokes answers to these pressing questions.

In this workshop Ranald Macaulay challenges us to not just look upon our sanctification as a passive thing but to also actively work at it.