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.

Another chance to hear this Life Issues from Easter 2021. Interested in finding out how Jesus fulfils the Old Testament scriptures? Listen to this fascinating discussion about the connections between the Passover meal and the Easter Story, from Jesus the Lamb of God to the Last Supper.

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.

Worship music is a frequent source of contention in church life and all too often can lead to churches catering to just one demographic. We may be left wondering if it’s really possible to include young, old and everyone in between in our worship services? Find out with Nick and Becky Drake in this week’s Life Issues!

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.

A lot of people are worried about AIs, bots that learn our behaviour, algorithms that spot patterns and all the little machines that serve them. But what if a bigger issue is how we can upgrade our “feeble flesh” enhancements that don’t just improve prosthetics but could take us beyond “life as we know it”? How might that affect society, social justice, faith? Where would our spirit reside if we took on an artificial form? Dr Calum MacKellar explores the implications of technological developments which are bringing us ever closer to living in a transhuman world. Are we headed for a Cyborg future? Find out by tuning in to this episode of Life Issues.

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 will be joined by Chine McDonald, Author of 'God Is Not A White Man' and Dr Krish Kandiah.