Watch the video or read an article version of this on Substack: https://adrianwarnock.substack.com/p/is-suffering-helpful-for-our-faith

I wanted to share this with you today in case you feel like you have been drifting away from God, or even deliberately rebelling against Him. You are not alone and I’m confident that if you’ve found this podcast episode, He isn’t finished with you yet. The Holy Spirit directs algorithms.

Please like and subscribe wherever you found this podcast and you can read the article on Substack:

https://adrianwarnock.substack.com/p/when-john-newton-backslid-and-needed

The book is available in an early access (incomplete!) form on Amazon:

https://mybook.to/amazinggrace

An article summarising the key points of our conversation can be found on my Patheos Blog. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2026/07/would-a-wretch-like-john-newton-be-welcome-in-our-churches/

You can watch the video here, or listen to the audio wherever you find your podcasts. Please like and subscribe wherever you are listening.

Read an edited transcript on Substack: https://adrianwarnock.substack.com/p/how-john-newton-still-shapes-devotion

Visit Substack for the text of this introduction

https://adrianwarnock.substack.com/p/introduction-to-raised-with-christ

Thanks for listening to Adrian Warnock! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes here or on Substack.

Learn about Elijah, his moment of crisis, and the very kind and multifaceted way in which God responded. Understand that the Prophet was not immune from Suicidal thoughts and yet God graciously:

* meets Elijah’s biological needs by giving him sleep, food, and exercise

* meets his psychological needs by challenging his misleading thoughts

* meets his social needs by first allowing him to take a break from his role, then gives him a renewed mission, due to some new tasks, and he gives him a disciple, a friend

* encounters him spiritually and shows Elijah that He’s still with him.

It doesn’t matter what chaos is going on around you. You can know the still small voice of God saying, “I love you.”

Do you need to get away a bit? Do you need to take a bit of a break? Reduce your activity? Or has God actually got some new tasks for you that will give you that sense of purpose and some new friends for you that will give you that sense of not being alone? Knowing God, and knowing God is with you makes all the difference.

Thanks for listening to Adrian Warnock! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Watch the video or read more about this on Substack:

https://adrianwarnock.substack.com/p/elijahs-crisis-and-gods-multifaceted

How could you make the most of your newsletter? If you have a church email newsletter, or if you’re a writer trying to produce an email list of people who might be interested in early access to your books to review, or buying them, or if you’re just a blogger who wants to have direct contact with people in your readership. In short if you have a group of people that you’re wanting to reach out to. Then it turns out email is actually still quite important.

Watch or read about this episode on Substack: https://adrianwarnock.substack.com/p/making-the-most-out-of-your-e-mail

Well hi everyone, I’m Adrian Warnock, and I’m here with my old friend,” I said, before apologizing for the word “old.” But looking at Aaron Armstrong on the screen, I had to admit it: “You’re just as grey as I am!”

Aaron and I first met online when we were both part of something people used to call the Young, Restless and Reformed movement, which, alongside and overlapping with the Emergent Church was a major force in the Christian Blogosphere in the early 2000s. I asked him why people don’t talk about that anymore.

“Well,” Aaron said, “partly because we’re all middle-aged, settled, and mortgaged.”

There is definitely a lot of truth in that. But perhaps we have also become quite static or even sclerotic and not reforming anymore. If you are not careful, when you become older, you do not want to reform anymore. You think you have arrived.

Watch the video or read about the episode over on Substack where you can also join the conversation: https://adrianwarnock.substack.com/p/whatever-happened-to-the-young-restless

We discussed a range of subjects including our early experiences of Substack, and how it feels like the early days of blogging and Twitter. We both enjoy the real contact and feedback. I started blogging back in 2003, so I have been around the houses a little bit. This platform already feels like it rewards good quality content rather than just fluff or outrage.

We then moved into theology, Christian experience, the Puritans, John Newton, John MacArthur, cessationism, charismatic gifts, illumination, prophecy, and the sufficiency of Scripture.

We agreed that Christians must not reduce Bible study to something purely academic. We need commentaries and careful thinking, but we must also be aware of the Spirit applying His Word to our lives today.

We also talk about the dangers of saying “God told me,” especially around hatch, match, and dispatch: babies, marriage, and death. In those areas especially, we need to be extra careful. Most would agree that these things should basically never be foretold. Wishful thinking, even if it is not labelled prophecy, can be equally harmful.

We agree that we must weigh everything, test everything, and keep it all under the authority of Scripture.

I very much enjoyed this conversation and hope we can do it again. And since then I have read his article on Jeremiah. Here is an extract that demonstrates his writing skill and insights:

The whole sacramental system was about a relationship, that they may glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The only way to do that is by worship and obedience. The main point from the start was always obedience. The sacrificial system was put in place so that a soul with the right heart, who is weighed down under the burden of sin, may come with a sacrifice appointed and offer it up in faith, and have his conscience eased and his sins forgiven, by the future work of Christ. But that was also by faith: the faith in God's own declaration that He is merciful, kind, and forgives iniquity. The sacrifices were also there so that man could continue to take part in the means of grace and have a continuing relationship with God.

Technically this system is very straightforward. If you have any questions about how to run your own video podcast, ask away in the comments over on Substack, where you can also watch the video: https://adrianwarnock.substack.com/p/adrian-meets-the-practical-theology

The results of the Makerfield by-election are in. Andy Burnham didn’t just scrape in as many predicted. His personal political brand dominated Reform in one of its heartlands. And whilst Restore, beloved of Elon Musk, did take votes away from Reform, Burnham’s share of the vote was greater than all other parties combined at 55%.

In this podcast, I discuss the differences between an American system of a directly elected president vs ours where prime ministers are regularly fired by their own party’s elected representatives. The question now seems to be how quickly Burnham will become our prime minister, not whether he will be or not.

This conversational episode talks about the balance between loyalty and acting for the good of the party and perhaps the country.

I discuss why capitalism is the best system but needs regulation and social justice to limit its tendency to make the rich richer and the poor poorer. I referred to my previous article, which reminded us that God honors the poor but humbles the rich.

I spoke about political hope, how Burnham seems to have charisma and is offering change. He believes he can single-handedly prevent Nigel Farage from eventually becoming prime minister.

Burnham will present himself as a unifying leader despite his challenge to Keir Starmer and the risk that this will lead to a damaging, divisive leadership battle within the Labour Party.

Starmer said yesterday that he will fight on. Sometimes, though, even a day is a long time in politics. I speculate that if enough MPs and ministers quietly tell him that it is time to quit, he might just do that. And if Burnham wants to lead a unity government, he might offer him the Foreign Office. Most people seem to agree that the main area in which Starmer has done a good job is foreign relations.

I also wondered if there’s already a secret deal for Wes Streeting to abandon his own leadership hopes and become the next Chancellor, our finance minister. You heard it here first.

As Christians it is important that we discuss what loyalty to means in a church context, and why some say it’s never right to challenge a leader.

I offer this video podcast as a freewheeling response to the latest political news.

Watch the video, see Burnham's acceptance speech, and join the conversation at Substack: https://adrianwarnock.substack.com/p/the-andy-burnham-bounce-is-real-what

“No matter what precautions we take, no matter how well we have put together a good life, no matter how hard we have worked to be healthy, wealthy, comfortable with friends and family, and successful with our career — something will inevitably ruin it.” (Tim Keller)

This podcast episode is nothing less than an attempt to explain the four-legged stool approach which I have during in my own difficult times, with patients as a doctor and psychiatrist, and with church members I was trying to help pastorally. Whether you are a health professional, social worker, pastor, concerned friend, or someone who is struggling right now, here is a framework that will hopefully guide first steps towards healing.

One reason we struggle to share our struggles with others is that we are afraid of the possible responses we will get.  This article and podcast aims to help you not put your foot in it by saying something unhelpful like, “if you just had enough faith, everything would be sorted out” or one of a million other damaging phrases.  Check out Aaron’s article too, think of his as something of a diagnosis and this as just beginning to talk about treatment. Read more, watch the video or join the conversation here:

https://adrianwarnock.substack.com/p/faith-alone-misses-real-healing-how

But it turns out blogging has not disappeared! Not since those early days have I been as excited about a new platform for my writing as I am about Substack! I have discovered one of the web's best-kept secrets, although it is growing very rapidly at the moment,  This is basically the home for blogging  as it used to be.  

I'm so excited I feel like an old friend changed their name moved away, we lost contact and suddenly I ran into them almost by chance.  I feel like I've joined a secret society. Shh! Don't tell anyone. Okay. You can tell other old-school bloggers, like me, if you like.  

This podcast is a collection of three videos I filmed over the last two weeks. It includes an explanation of my background.

After all these years and many struggles I really am more and more confident that:  Jesus’ resurrection really does change everything, just not all at once. 

I have only been posting over on Substack for just over two weeks as I write this.  In the first two weeks on  I gained over 100 new subscribers from a standing start. This seems a very small number compared to much larger numbers of followers on my X and Facebook  pages. But the level and depth of interaction has been much better here than there. It has been hugely encouraging, and three people already saying they have bought one of  as a result.

I have realized that Substack is so much more than a new social media platform designed with real writers in mind. It can be:

An email subscription list. 

A place to host multiple newsletter-style publications

A place to build a more direct relationship with your readers

A place to host paid-for content behind a paywall. 

A podcast. 

A place to create and host videos, including interviews. 

A place to host your own domain rather than paying money for a separate website.

An alternative to following RSS feeds.  

Read my full article about Substack here: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2026/06/i-know-where-all-the-bloggers-have-gone-substack-and-tiktok/

“I can truly say, that I hold you in my heart and in my prayers. I rejoice to see the beginning of a good and gracious work in you. I have confidence in the Lord Jesus, that he will carry this work on and complete it, that you will be among those who will sing about redeeming love for eternity.

Therefore, do not fear any of the things appointed for you to suffer along the way.

“So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world” (1 Peter 1:13, NLT).

Do not be impatient, but wait humbly on the Lord. You have one hard lesson to learn, that is, the evil of your own heart. You know something about it, but you must know more. The more we know about ourselves, the more we will prize and love Jesus and His salvation.

I hope that what you find in yourself by daily experience will humble you, but not discourage you. Humble you it should, and I believe it does. Are not you amazed sometimes that you should have as much as a hope, that, poor and needy like you are, the Lord thinks of you? But do not let what you feel discourage you. If our Physician is Almighty, our disease cannot be desperate.  If he casts no one out that comes to Him (John 6:37), why should we fear?

Our sins are many, but His mercies are more. Our sins are great, but His righteousness is greater. We are weak, but he is powerful. Most of our complaints are due to unbelief, and the remainder of a legalistic spirit. These evils are not removed in a day.

Wait on the Lord, and he will help you to see more and more of the power and grace of our High Priest. The more you know Him, the better you will trust Him. The more you trust Him, the better you will love Him. The more you love Him, the better you will serve Him. This is God’s way. You are not called to buy, but to beg. Not to be strong in yourself, but in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

He is teaching you these things, and I trust He will teach you to the end. Remember, the growth of a Christian is not like a mushroom which sprouts quickly, but like an oak tree, which grows very slowly indeed but steadily. Many suns, showers, and frosts, pass before it comes to maturity. In winter, when it seems dead, it is gathering strength in its roots.

Be humble, watchful, and diligent in taking part in the means of grace.  Seek to look past everything, fix your eyes on Jesus, and all will be well. I entrust you to the care of the good Shepherd, and remain, for his sake,

Yours,

John Newton

This letter, written so many years ago, is still very relevant to us today, and yet it sounds alien to modern eases  that one of the chief lessons of our lives is to learn just how evil and deceptive our own hears are.  But how true this is to our own experiences. We would do well to talk about these matters much more than we do.

This letter could (and probably will) function as an introduction to both of the books I am currently still writing, but which I have released to the world in an “early access” form.

In many ways, this short letter contains the heartbeat of both books: the slow and painful discovery of what is really in each of our hearts, and the wonderful news that God’s grace is so much stronger than our sin, and gradually changes us over decades.

The Traitor Within explores this idea that our own hearts, by lying to us, are actually our own worst enemies.  It shows us how to understand ourselves and gives us tools to help us on our journey of healing.

https://mybook.to/traitorwithin

Amazing Grace updates Newton’s autobiography and a selection of his teachings into modern English. Our deceitful hearts are a major theme of his writings.

https://mybook.to/amazinggrace

Read more on my blog at:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2026/04/trump-posts-blasphemous-image-then-deletes-it and

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2026/04/franklin-graham-denies-trump-image-has-spiritual-references/

Read more about why truth matters in my book The Traitor Within: Understanding and Healing Our Deceitful Hearts

 https://mybook.to/traitorwithin

#trump #deception #blasphemy #partisan #thetraitors

Note: I was kindly given a copy of one of the Preacher libraries by Logos so that I would review it, but I’m not constrained as to what kind of review I give. I confess that I so spend an awful lot of money of my own on Logos. If you want to contribute to my Logos addiction, please feel free to click on the affiliate links  and you’ll give me a small contribution towards that.

Now, when I am deciding which of the libraries I want to go for, which I want to pay my own good money for, one of the things I do is look at what’s available. The big question is how much can you afford? But it may be that you want to go for something in the middle, even if you’ve got extra money, because you could use some of that extra money in a different way.

I’ll give you a couple of examples in the video....

We say that seeing is believing, and yet we know that's not true. Since the advent of deep fakes, particularly, we can't trust any videos we see online anymore.

We don't know if that video we've just watched of a celebrity doing something, or a normal member of the public doing something, is true.

It could be a sort of drama that someone's made up, or more than that, it could be something that a computer has made up.

I watched one just recently of a gorilla, I think, and a child had fallen into his cage, or his enclosure, and he picked up this child and passed him up to the parents to rescue.

It all looked very convincing, and then I saw, right on the video description, it said, this has been created by AI.

So it was complete nonsense, and it was not true. It does mean, though, that we can't trust anything we see with our eyes anymore.

But optical illusions have for centuries highlighted the many ways that we do not even see the world accurately. Our brains take signals from our optic nerves and creates an approximation of the reality which serves us very well but can mislead us in many ways.

The same is true of listening to or reading other people’s words. When we speak, there is an intent we have set in our heart, that gets translated into verbal words, which is then associated with nonverbal cues like the expression on our face, the volume, speed, and tone of our voice, and whether we are using too much or too little eye contact.

The people listening sometimes mishear our actual words, and frequently will assume all kinds of things about our message and motives from those accompanying signals.

As they process the message and compare it to their own internal assumptions, the message again often gets misinterpreted and we can think we have said one thing, and our hearer thinks we have said something altogether different, and with different motives to those we actually had.

There is a simple old game where a person whispers a message into their neighbor’s ear, who then passes it on to the next in a chain. By the time it has gone through just a few people, the message is usually completely wrong and based on all kinds of errors and false assumptions.

So we also can't trust anything that we hear. There are certain politicians, and I'm not going to name names at this point, who seemed to just love lying to us all the time.

Lies, lies, lies, lies, lies.

And yet, perhaps, it's inside of us, The Traitor Within, that is the biggest liar of all. Do you trust what your heart tells you? Do you follow your heart?

I would suggest that you have as much scepticism about what's in your heart as you do when you see a video that you think might be a deepfake.

​“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9, NLT).

And yet our culture tells us to “follow your heart”.  No wonder it too is now desperately sick and beyond cure. This book will explore the cultural phenomenon The Traitors as a modern parable as it unmasks the human heart.

Adrian blends his medical insights gained from his work as a doctor and psychiatrist with pastoral wisdom gathered from twenty-five years serving as part of a church leadership team. He witnessed a period of church growth from less than twenty members to thousands.

In recent years Adrian has also experienced chronic illness following his diagnosis with blood cancer, and this book reflects his passion to help others face all kinds of suffering with hope and compassion.

This book is available as an early access preview edition which includes free updates.

Explore these ideas further in my bookThe Traitor Within: Understanding and Healing Our Deceitful Hearts BUY HERE  https://mybook.to/traitorwithin

Was he right?

This video looks at how humans make difficult choices, using The Traitors as moral theatre.

/ Final spoilers ahead

👉 Questions like this sit at the heart of my book The Traitor Within: Understanding and Healing Our Deceitful Heart:

https://mybook.to/traitorwithin

#thetraitors #thetraitorsuk #morality #psychtok

#BookTok

I know those two things don’t necessarily go together. You can live with other people, be busy at work, and have what looks to others like a good social life. You might even be part of a large, thriving church. And yet, somehow, even among the crowds, you feel completely alone.

You feel misunderstood. You might feel embarrassed, or even ashamed. Did you know that almost all of us struggle with shame at some point in our lives? Probably more than we like to admit. One of the sad things about shame is that we don’t talk about it. And of course, if we had someone close to us, someone we really trusted, we could be honest about how we feel.. . . Read more: Why do I feel so alone? https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2026/01/why-do-i-feel-so-lonely-how-can-i-find-a-friend/

Shame separates people, because, unlike guilt, we generally do not understand how to deal with it. Shame often leads to secrecy out of fear of being discovered. Wanting more details is nothing more than gossip. We only need to know more when abuse is involved in a scandal. The circle of knowledge need only be as wide as the circle of harm. People should always see a way to be restored, even if their platform may be permanently withheld. There must be no cheap grace nor permanent exile. Listen to the rest or read at Patheos: What Philip Yancey Can Teach Us About Shame.

Takeaways

The journey of self-publishing can be both challenging and rewarding.

Community support is crucial in times of trauma and healing.

Personal struggles often shape our ability to help others.

Vulnerability can foster deeper connections and understanding.

Shame can distort our identity and needs to be addressed.

The church must be trauma-aware and supportive of its members.

Professional help is essential for mental health and healing.

Shared experiences can provide powerful affirmation and support.

Forgiveness is a complex but necessary part of healing.

Looking forward with hope is vital for personal growth.

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reminiscing

02:34 The Journey of Self-Publishing

05:45 The Early Days of Ministry

08:25 Transitioning Through Challenges

11:00 Facing Personal Trials

14:05 The Impact of Family Dynamics

16:46 The Role of Music in Healing

19:12 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects

21:42 The Revelation of Family Secrets

24:33 Navigating Public Scrutiny

26:57 The Church's Response to Crisis

29:56 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

34:09 The Four Pillars of Well-Being

37:02 The Power of Community and Service

38:10 Finding Healing Through Shared Experiences

41:29 The Role of Trauma in Personal Growth

44:19 The Journey of Healing and Helping Others

48:33 Understanding Shame and Identity

54:12 The Impact of Faith Amidst Suffering

57:33 Looking Forward: Hope and Purpose

Why not buy a copy of the updated Raised With Christ: How the Resurrection Changes Everything, Now in a new cover with expanded content and a study guide. Available this year for the first time in hardback. If you have read this already please consider posting a review as your gift to me and other readers who may find it as a result.

https://mybook.to/raisedwithchrist

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2008/05/edwin-millington-warnock-founder-of/

The level of hatred and division on both sides of the political divide is way too high at the moment. The attempt on Trump's life has demonstrated just how febrile the situation is.

Some of the reaction to Trump's surviving this attack is very concerning.  Many have forgotten that someone was killed, two were critically injured, that Secret Service Agents immediately surrounded Trump willing to take a second bullet for him. READ MORE HERE: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2024/07/assassination-attempt-trump-and-biden-must-call-for-peace/

Also available on YouTube https://youtu.be/IcUrcXEuoTE

Video also available on Facebook YouTube and Patheos.com where there is also a transcript.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2024/06/barnabas-piper-pastors-kid-divorcee-and-minister/ 

LEARN MORE AT https://bloodcanceruncensored.com/?s=COVID

Thank you to every single one of you who have donated, liked and shared. Don’t stop now. We do need to make sure that there is a buffer (in case he needs more treatment than hoped) and I know the family is keen to be able to also bless others. We will keep following this story as we pray Nathaniel has a smooth journey through his Stem cell transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital. You can also see the video: 

Without modern medical treatment of chemotherapy, venetoclax and a stem cell transplant death would be certain. This would not have been available in Nigeria where he lived. In London Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the top places in the world to deal with this. Whilst he is not eligible for treatment under the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), doctors at the world-famous hospital have waived their fees dramatically reducing the cost to save this life.  

One of the UK’s most popular national newspapers, The Mirror and its sister publication the Sunday People have been behind this case since February. Thanks to the generosity of their readers and others the initial chemotherapy has been paid for and was very successful.  But without another £200,000 being raised in the next ten days the window will close on following this treatment up with a stem cell transplant. He has a match which is itself a miracle. This treatment may well be curative and allow him to live a normal life. 

Listen, like, comment  and share on all social media platforms and please donate if you can on GoFundMe.  

https://www.gofundme.com/f/treatnathaniel 

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/desperate-family-boy-9-leukaemia-24020743 

https://bloodcanceruncensored.com/adrian-interviews-father-of-9-year-old-aml-patient-with-10-days-to-save-his-life/

Video also available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eumKBaCLcaw and https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=external&v=3905098316240808

This video mostly focussed on what we agree on. The need to be thoughful of others not just yourself in this epidemic. Just how big a problem this really is for the world. And our shared concern about conspiracy theorists. We did discuss to what extent Christianity had been behind the resurgence of Science in Europe. Martin Luther and the printing press even got a mention. I really enjoyed this conversation so much we are thinking of doing another. What would you like an atheist and a Christian to talk about? What questions should I put to Billy or he put to me? We proved today that it IS possible to talk about things when you have very different beliefs. Oh that we as Society would relearn how to disagree agreeably. I hope you enjoy this. The video is also available here: https://patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2020/08/corona-truth-tel…illy-the-atheist/

That is an astonishing figure. And if you look at young adults the proportion is even higher at one in three! All this was reported in The Guardian which is not exactly known for being pro-church. And in breaking news this morning, 70% of church leaders report a rise in church attendance.

For sure if they all turn up the first week after lockdown our buildings will be completely swamped and overwhelmed.

Some churches are having double the number of virtual attendees than they did back “in real life”. See this article for more background to the interview: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2020/06/covid-19-revival/

We discussed the need to have skilled expert care available to at least advise your doctors at crucial times. Some local teams will work very closely with the top experts and refer to them for help with unusual problems and to consider for clinical trials when appropriate. Prof Hillmen has a  very personable friendly manner, and explained some complicated things in a very simple user-friendly way.

Prof Hillmen has worked in clinical research to find new treatments for Chronic Lymphocytic since the 1990s. He is optimistic for our future. Like other blood cancers we are now seeing patients living a lot longer than earlier in his disease. He said "the outcome in terms of lifespan is now similar to patients without CLL". However, he doesn't minimise the impact this condition can have on people due to increased infection risk and fatigue. Both of these can happen even quite early in the disease. He explained, "CLL is a disease of the immune system getting quite old and tired, really."

Watch the video  https://bloodcanceruncensored.com/video-prof-peter-hillmen-global-expert-explains-cll/

Many of us can't achieve what we want to right now, and of course Covid19 confronts all of us with our frailty and mortality. I was inspired by her comments which I include below, and decided it would be fun to interview her some more about this.  You can also watch the video on my blog. 

 https://patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2020/04/lockdown-broke-my-to-do-list/ ‎

Keno's Facebook Post

I woke up thinking.....

A few years ago, if I woke up in 'lockdown,' I would have had a long list of things to do, I would have been working furiously on a 'post-lockdown' plan. I would have been creating, strategizing, promoting ... and that sounds like the right thing to do, doesn't it.



But today, I wake up in the moment, find my sanity in the moment, accept the moment as-is, be grateful for the moment - and then I rise in the strength of the moment and shine!



'Shine' may be going on a walk, or chatting to a friend, or writing in the 'artists way' or catching up on Netflix or a fitness session.



'Shine' is not performing, or living up to false ambitions, or being controlled by to-do lists. Shine is not based on external expectations. 'Shine' is not faking it. 'Shine ' is putting forward your very best self in the moment ... so perhaps the question to ask is 'what is my best self - in this moment?'

Good morning and have a 'shiny' day.

More from Keno

• I am Keno - Blog
  
  


• Tiny Life Moments - group blog
  
  


• Did you like Emerald Green?
  
  


• Death is a door..
  
  

I mentioned that there is shortly going to be an Online Revival Conference.

Practically, I also mentioned New Covent Garden Market is offering delivery to the UK of fruit and veg etc. Also Sainsbury’s have a vulnerable person priority list you might be able to get on to for delivery slots (others will follow I’m sure). Also try local dairys some of which are able to deliver also. And if you are in need of help don’t be ashamed to ask community volunteers for support.

In terms of keeping up with the news, there are two resources I tend to follow most of all. The Coronavirus Newscast / podcast from the BBC is well worth a listen or watch. It’s on every day as an audio on BBC sounds or your podcast platform of choice and on the iPlayer as video once a week. I have also been watching Dr John Campbell on YouTube.

“‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’”

‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NIVUK‬‬

Video: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2020/03/vlogging-from-isolation/

See  Twenty tips for working from home and self isolating https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2020/03/how-to-work-from-home-or-self-isolate/ 

You can read the notes here: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2013/07/three-phases-of-faith-2-kings-4/

Audacious Promises that God will Heal You: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2017/10/audacious-promises-that-god-will-heal-you/

Top Ten Tips for those seeking God's healing: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2017/10/top-ten-healing-dos-donts/

I think I would like to record some more of this kind of material in the future. I hope I don't get Ed into any trouble for sharing any views of his that may have changed in the intervening years! 

We spoke about many subjects including

• technology and our then amazement at being able to communicate in that way


• church planting


• If missional and apostolic are synonymous (the word missionary is the Latin word used in the vulgate Bible to translate apostle from the Greek)


• The Atonement


• The state of the church (find out if we worried about the same things back then we worry about now


• What it means to "want it all" when it comes to church


• Preaching


• Contextualization


• How to build truly multicultural churches.

Those of us who are oldies and out of touch with modern culture might not realise just how potentially impactful such a giga-celebrity conversion and album release might turn out to be.  Our youth are, however, much more aware of just how much of an impact Kayne West might make as a born again Christian and much of this episode was inspired by a conversation I had with some of my own children.

You can watch the video or read the article this podcast was based on over on my blog just search "Patheos Adrian"

We discuss what helps and doesn’t help people who are suffering. We talk about spiritual challenges suffering brings, how to walk with God through the middle of it.

Video is also available on YouTube as well as a full transcript. 

The sudden death of popular Christian blogger Rachel Held Evans at age 37 has shocked the English speaking Church online.

Rachel was a mother, wife, author, and our sister in Christ.

Earth has lost a strong voice.

Heaven has gained a daughter of the King.

Rachel’s death at such a young age reminds us all that we cannot assume we will live on Earth for ever. Are we ready to meet our Lord as she now has?

We grieve for her young family, and we feel the gap she leaves online.  We grieve, but we do so with hope. As a believer in the physical resurrection of Jesus I am confident that she is with Jesus right now, awaiting his return.

Provocatively and accurately she said

“I have come to regard with some suspicion those who claim that the Bible never troubles them. I can only assume this means they haven’t actually read it.”― A Year of Biblical Womanhood

I never met her but I did enjoy very much recording a discussion with her and Owen Strachan for the Unbelievable? radio show which demonstrated her warmth and openness of heart. Rachel’s writing  had previously inspired me to write on the spectrum of views on gender roles in the church. Reading blogs by writers like Rachel taught me that there was a broader range of views on these issues than I had previously thought .  Here is the recording of that radio show in honour of her memory:

My year so far has been dominated by my health situation and I talk about that, but also by the 21 days of prayer, and the Manifest Presence Conference at the church I am part of.

We have had a great time at church (even tho I have had to miss some fo the meetings). I also share below some of the sermons that have blessed us greatly so far this year at Jubilee as we have been in a time of special blessing:

On and off this year I have been sharing the story of my journey with blood cancer.  Now I am about to start the next phase.

So on the 11 October I will be starting chemotherapy with FCR on the Flair study.  Oliver Cromwell used to say to his troops before they went into battle “Trust in God but keep your gunpowder dry”. So this is me keeping my gunpowder dry.  I thought you might like to see this Facebook Live video of me speaking about it:

Oddly I feel a huge sense of relief as it’s been clear for a while that treatment was coming for me.

I’m at peace.

I’m hopeful.

I’m praying that my treatment will lead to me FEELING loads better.

My CLL cells don’t realize that right about now is when we start fighting back.

They have no idea what’s about to hit them! No more passively waiting whilst they do their best to destroy my health and quality of life!

I am happy to take whatever the computer randomly chooses for me.  This is because I believe that the hand of God will lie behind the machine and ensure that I get the right treatment for me.

Video is availalbe if you visit Facebook.

Although I was shaken, I wasn't actually destroyed. 

As part of Blood Cancer Awareness Month I am supporting Leukaemia Care’s Spot Leukaemia campaign and talking about the need to recognise symptoms in yourself and get help early, as well as my experiences as a Christian going through it.

In a raw and open half an hour interview recorded for Premier Christianity Magazine’s Podcast I speak openly about the uncertainty I face at the moment. 

16 months ago the Christian author and blogger Adrian Warnock was diagnosed with a slow growing form of blood cancer. In this candid interview, Adrian opens up about how his faith has been tested since receiving the news, what he thinks about healing and why he believes every Christian must prepare for times of suffering.

And everything changed.

At first the doctors were puzzled about my condition, which is never reassuring. It wasn’t till the 20th May that I was officially diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a slow growing form of blood cancer, which at the moment is relatively stable.

I have previously mentioned that I’ve been unwell, and also posted some of the thoughts that have helped me in my journey so far. Throughout the rest of this article I have linked to some of those posts where I have explored specific ideas in more detail. Until now I’ve not written about the details of my illness. There were lots of valid reasons for my reticence. But one year on, I now feel ready to share, and details of my story follow towards the end of this page.

Also, I do believe in the power of prayer, and perhaps some of you might like to pray for me.

I am aware that many of you will be suffering also, and there is comfort to be found in knowing you are not suffering alone. Sharing is good for me, but maybe also good for those who will feel aspects of what I say resonate with their own experiences.

Feel free to share your own story in the comments section below, including where relevant a link to any online articles, or any tips you would like to pass on to others. One reason we suffer is so that we can comfort others with the comfort that we receive.

Contents of this Article

• Cancer Affects Christians Too


• How Suffering can Lead to Gratitude


• Adrian’s ‘Watch and Wait’ Cancer Story So Far


• Suffering and the Hope Faith Brings

Let that word sink in a moment.

Many.

Not a few.

Not a theoretical group.

Not a hypothetical warning.

Many.

Notice how complacent they are.

Feel the pride.

They think they are in.

Prophesying. Casting out demons, mighty works.

Perhaps we could add preaching and leading.

Maybe writing a blog.

Doing things ‘in Jesus name’

Part of the ‘in crowd’ ........  Read the rest or watch the video here: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2017/01/how-not-to-hear-away-from-me-i-never-knew-you/

You can watch the video or download the notes: Explaining the Gospel in an age of Biblical illiteracy.

You can watch the video  or download the notes here: Authority vs Internet-inspired anarchy

You can watch the video  or download the notes here: Do you really want your church to grow?

This radio interview explores the book I wrote with my pastor Tope Koleoso on the Gospel. 

We are all either looking for, or glad to have found, hope. Hope brings zest to life. Hope gives strength to face situations that seem overwhelming. Hope helps people leave behind a negative past and capture the purpose for which they were made. Hope renews, it revitalizes, it remakes; it can even make people feel reborn.

This book is all about finding the hope which matters above everything else. Millions before you, over thousands of years, have walked this path and found meaning and purpose to life. A life with purpose is a life with vision, and a life with vision has hope. Real hope is found not in a place, or a plan, but in a person: Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God.

This short book is designed to help five different types of people.

1. If you are new to Christianity, it focuses on the central message of the Bible, and includes a practical step-by-step guide on how to become a Christian.


2. If you have already explored the faith, our goal in writing is to help you be sure that you are a Christian, and to have a certain hope that you will live forever with Jesus.


3. If you once had a faith in Jesus, but have drifted away from following Him, these pages will help you find your way back to God. He has already taken a step towards you, and is waiting for you to take a step towards him.


4. Or perhaps you have gone to church all your life. Maybe you have always assumed you are a Christian. But many who appear to be Christians will one day hear Jesus say, “I never knew you; depart from me!” (Matthew 7:23). If you think you are already a Christian, you must carefully consider whether or not this really is true (see 2 Corinthians 13:5). This book will help all of us, authors included, with that process.


5. If you are confident that you are a Christian, we hope that these pages will help you to be able to explain what you believe more clearly to others.

We have prayed for you, that Jesus himself will meet with you as you read this book.

The core of the book is Chapter 4: How to Become a Christian. You can read this for free here.

Full Chapter List

The Pharisee and the Prostitute

Died for you. Raised for you

How Do I Become a Christian?

Next Steps: What Do I Do Now?

You Can Change

Growing in Your Faith: Reading the Bible.

Walking with Jesus: How to Pray

Hope Reborn is published by Christian Focus. ISBN 978-1-78191-430-4

I really enjoyed our conversation, and I trust you will too

Read the rest of the Father's Day Sermon notes

“In the best case scenario MacArthur is painting with way too broad a brush, in the worst case scenario it’s just outrageous. I understand that Phil Johnson said he was not saying this about each and every charismatic. He was not saying it was impossible to be a charismatic and be saved – which would put his statement at the “it was way too broad a brush”. If that was the case then I think John MacArthur needs to come out and say it.

Here are a couple of key phrases from the talk:

In God’s kingdom fulfilling your destiny has a lot to do with helping others fulfill their’s. Becoming an expert in dispensing and receiving prophetic encouragement is key to this.

It’s not about you. It’s about Jesus.

God wants to give you a place and a purpose in the people of God.

Barnabas was a big man who didn’t need a big role to make a big difference.

NT prophecy is much more than a “thus sayeth The Lord” moment. In a sense every word the Christian says is meant to be prophetic.

It’s OK to grieve as a Christian. Its just that we grieve differently because we have a hope.

One person with a gift of encouragement can transform a whole church.