Here are some of my thoughts on the lockdowns meant to stop the spread of Covid-19. These thoughts are based on the best available scientific evidence and end with a warning for the future. These are dark time but... we can do better.

Good News for Radio

Covid-19 and the perils of lockdowns.

In these times of a pandemic and lockdowns it is easy to be anxious. What are the reasons behind this? How should Christians respond? Kerri and Pete, Christian Bloggers, look at why this should be in the light of Government messaging and the Coronavirus pandemic. Isolation is not natural for human beings - we are not designed for it. In times of crisis, such as we are experiencing with Covid-19, our instinct is to group together. Yet here we are, millions of us, isolating ourselves even from close family members to prevent the spread of the disease, while at the same time being bombarded with horrifying headlines. So it’s no surprise that many people are feeling anxious and fearful.

Why are Christians so anxious today?

Maggie and Pete discuss why we need to get up and go on world mission. We need to reach out the world in evangelistic mission because God has promised to bless all nations (or people groups) on the earth. What better motivation and encouragement can we have than the understanding that missions (blessing the nations with the Gospel) is in the sure purposes of God. Because Jesus has already purchased people from every tribe and nation with His blood. Like the Moravians motivated by this purchase we should repeat what two Moravians missionaries said as they set sail for India, “May the Lamb receive the reward of His suffering!” In other words, He has already purchased them, our job is only to gather in what is His.

The importance of world mission

We look at John chapter 3 and its enduring importance in bringing people out of a path to destruction into ultimate salvation. “If we were asked to read to a dying man who did not know the gospel, we should probably select this chapter as the most suitable one for such an occasion; and what is good for dying men is good for us all, for that is what we are; and how soon we may be actually at the gates of death, none of us can tell.” (Spurgeon)

A life changing part of John's gospel explained (good conversation with Alan and Pete)

Peter Cooper talks with Alan Riley about the first chapter of John's Gospel, starting at the very beginning. John's Gospel is a highpoint of theological writing with deep truths embedded within it. What or who is God's word and how does God's word affect us. Pete and Alan argue that God's word bring about both creation and new creation in a way that changes everything.

Beginning with the Word (The Word of God in John's Gospel - good conversation with Alan and Pete)

Reading the Bible is much easier if you follow some simple steps and get prepared. And, as you delve into it, you might find that you are more familiar with the Bible than you expected: it crops up in everything from Shakespeare to Hollywood movies; it’s inspired musicians, historical figures and campaigners. The Bible is complex. It’s not one book but a collection of 66 books, split into two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. All of the books are divided into chapters and verses. People often find it easier to begin at the opening of the New Testament, which starts about three-quarters of the way through. Maggie and Pete give their tips.

How best to read the bible (good conversation)

The women in the Bible are rarely mentioned by name, with named women representing only 5.5 to 8 percent of the total of all named characters, male and female. This suggests that women were not usually in the forefront of public life. Those women that are named, rose to prominence for reasons outside the ordinary. They are often an aspect of the over-turning of man-made power structures and the women are often heroic or at the heart of an important doctrine. Does God really sideline women? What does the Bible say? Peter and Maggie discuss this important issue for contemporary Christian thought.

Does God sideline women? (a conversation)

For those of us who grow up within Christianity, one of the first things we’re taught about God is that God never changes; God is the same yesterday as God is today or as God will be tomorrow. Unfortunately, this attribute of God has been historically misunderstood, both to the detriment of ourselves and in the way we see God. Where we get into trouble is not in confessing that God never changes, but when we assume that God never changes his mind. This is dangerous thinking: here Maggie and Pete thrash out the implications. What do you think?

God changes his mind (a conversation)

God does exist but how do you know that. Steve, Shereen, Maggie and your humble host Peter put forwards the reasons why they personally believe in God. We all know and believe many things about ourselves, our world, and the people around us. Many of these things can’t be “demonstrated by logical, controlled, and repeatable methods.” You can know, f that your mother loves you and that a particular Beethoven symphony lifts your spirits: is that similar to how we know that God exists? Or it all more scientific than that? what do you think?

How do you know God exists?

Pete is joined by Dr. Maggie Cooper this week for the conversation. The question of God's relation to time has generated a great amount of theological and philosophical reflection. The traditional view has been that God is timeless in the sense of being outside time altogether; that is, he exists but does not exist at any point in time and he does not experience temporal succession. But does this make sense? Is this view in fact morally repugnant?

God and Time (a conversation)

Some doomsday preachers and conspiracy theorists have dubbed the Supermoon an incredibly sinister portent of doom. Astrologers and atheists take a different view of its significance. We look at all that from a Christian Worldview point of view: what does the Bible say? Is this a #prophecy? Is it #endtimes realated?This is an extract from The Virtual Vicar show on Flame Radion 1521 M2, www.flameradio.org featuring Peter Cooper and Beryl Polden.

The Supermoon and the Judgment

ll 118 of the Church of England’s bishops and archbishops have issued a rare joint rebuke of MPs for language “not worthy of our country”.The College of Bishops say in a joint statement today: “In the last few days, the use of language, both in debates and outside parliament, has been unacceptable. We should speak to others with respect . . . We should not denigrate, patronise or ignore the honest views of fellow citizens, but seek to respect their opinions, their participation in society, and their votes.” Are they completely out of touch?

The Language of Bishops

Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg delivered an emotionally charged speech on climate change at the United Nations on Monday, drawing wide-eyed responses from political pundits throughout the day."This speech by far-left activist Greta Thunberg is absolute madness," said political reporter Ryan Saavedra.

Climate Change Madness

The UK's highest court has ruled that Boris Johnson broke the law when he advised the Queen to suspend parliament in a bombshell unanimous judgement. The court ruled that it was "unlawful, void and of no effect". Supreme Court President Lady Hale said the prorogation was "void and of no effect", adding: "Parliament has not been prorogued." Does this mean that the Queen no longer has the right to prorogue parliament unless the courts say so. What a mess! Pete is worried about the constitutional crisis.Commons Speaker John Bercow said the House must "convene without delay" and that he would be consulting party leaders "as a matter of urgency".

Has the Queen been sacked by the Supreme Court?

Moses said to Pharaoh, speaking for God, "let my people go!". Is Brexit a case of Prime Minister Boris Johnson playing the part of Moses saying to the EU Pharaoh: Let My People Go! We believe so, listen to our reasons - what do you think? Contact the show: goodnews@petertimothycooper.com

Brexit - let my people go!

Comment on events in the news, culture and church from Peter Timothy Cooper with James Byers, Mark Peacey and friends. We talk about issues of the day, sometimes breaking news. We bring you what the Bible has to say: that is Good News. Accessible, amusing and thought provoking Christian talk radio. This includes the audio version of the Youtube channel Good News This MorningTwitter: @tgnsuk

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