Articles by J.John
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Under the language of "reform", two decisions were advanced last week by the UK government: the decriminalization of do-it-yourself abortion up to birth; and the decision to not reinstate the requirement for in-person medical consultation before abortion pills are prescribed. Here's why I am angry, ashamed, and apprehensive. -
Perspectives on Persia to fuel your prayers
The renewed escalation of conflict involving Iran and the wider Middle East has once again unsettled the nations. Air strikes, retaliation and rising tensions—ordinary families carry fears about what tomorrow may hold. Here is some perspective to aid your prayers for Iran, the Iranian people, and peace. -
The parable of the GP visit
We are arguably the most technologically connected generation in history, yet loneliness has become a public health crisis and you may be the only gentleness someone encounters today. We need to decide what kind of presence we bring into a room, because our grace may be one of the most powerful prescriptions of all. -
The grace-filled significance of Lent
Lent can sound sombre, restrictive, even joyless. And yet, year after year, I return to it with fresh gratitude. Lent is God, in his kindness, giving us time. Lent can sound sombre, restrictive, even joyless. And yet, year after year, I return to it with fresh gratitude. Lent is God, in his kindness, giving us time. Here are four reasons why it remains one of the most life-giving seasons of the Christian year. -
What is real love actually
Valentine’s Day arrives every year with remarkable self-confidence. It assumes love should be obvious, effortless, and permanently exciting. Real love, actually, is nothing like that. -
William Tyndale: faith, focus, and fearlessness
This year marks the 500th anniversary of one of the most world-changing books ever printed: William Tyndale’s English New Testament. It was banned, burned and branded heresy, yet it ignited a movement that transformed our language, our literature and our faith. -
A light for every season
Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, has already come and the darkness has not overcome him. Likewise, we can bring the light into the darkness of our worlds by the smallest of loving merciful actions if we have Christ in us, the hope of glory. Let us recommit to sharing this light into the new year. -
Remembering when heaven came to earth
Every December the world pauses, some willingly, some wearily, to tell the story that divided history in two. We call it Christmas, but heaven called it rescue day. -
The wonderous meaning of advent
Every year Christmas seems to arrive faster, like a train thundering into the station before we’ve even packed our bags. We rush, we shop, we scroll and then sigh, "Did I really encounter Christ this Christmas?" That’s why we have Advent. -
A toe, a tooth, and the theology of perspective
"Perspective turns pressure into praise, problems into possibilities, and pain into purpose, and sometimes the only difference between misery and ministry is the way you look at it." Evangelist J.John finds gratitude in a harrowing trip to Australia. -
Gratitude is a power that can change everything
Gratitude is powerful medicine. It is like oxygen for the soul. We don’t thrive without it. We are hard-wired to say "thank you". Psychologists now confirm what scripture has always taught: grateful people are happier, healthier and more hopeful. In contexts of rising conflict, gratitude is a healthier way forward. Ask the Holy Spirit to form that fruit in you for your benefit and those around you. -
Don't let the tall poppy syndrome ruin your experience of the Kingdom of God
The Tall Poppy Syndrome has been popularized and exported from Australia but it is endemic in us all and it literally makes us unwell. An antidote can be found throughout Scripture. Rather than drawing others to join us wallowing in misery, we can repent from the Tall Poppy Syndrome and flourish alongside the flourishing.
