Do we as the church really understand what the Bible tells us about women? How do we teach our boys to view their mothers, sisters and other ladies in the church? What are we teaching our girls as they grow up in an age of raging feminism and increased sexualisation? Do you really know what the Bible teaches about half of the church?

In response to ‘An Epitaph in Kilraughts Old Graveyard’

This film deserves a whole lot of attention, and a lot more viewers. It will break your heart (and put it back together again). It’s powerful, moving, beautifully made, and will leave you thinking for days. If you haven’t yet seen it, go no further with this review: just go watch it

A few weeks ago I grabbed a bag of popcorn and a bottle of water and was ready to settle down to enjoy another film in the Avengers franchise! Yes, you’ve guessed - Captain Marvel! This film is similar to most Avengers films in that it’s aimed primarily for late teens to young adults. With plenty of action-packed scenes, witty jokes and a star-studded cast, what’s not to love!

Albania achieved fame for being the most closed country in Europe during the period between WWII and the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was subject to an even more extreme form of Marxism than the rest of Eastern Europe. During that period, it was well known that it was the first country in the world to outlaw all forms of religious expression – except worship of the Party of course! Then, in a spectacular turn around, it became one of the most open countries for Christian outreach during the 1990’s

The biography by Ron Chernow is the inspiration behind the Tony award-winning musical, which has recently arrived to the West End. The story of Alexander Hamilton is indeed a remarkable one, a penniless orphan (well almost) immigrant who manages through his diligence and hard work to become the advisor to Washington penmen of the American constitution.

The jeweller displays the beauty of a diamond against the blackest cloth, the contrast highlighting the clarity and purity of the stone. One recent news story which carried the darkest details was the trial of former US gymnastic team doctor Larry Nassar who used his position of respect and responsibility to prey upon vulnerable young girls. Yet against this horrific backdrop God used one of his children to display the fierce beauty of the gospel.

Bruno Mars released this simple but very catchy song on his first studio album in 2010. In an interview, Bruno Mars talking about the song, said he was trying to capture the feeling “when you’re in Vegas, and you’ve had way too many drinks, and you love everybody, and you want to do something that you probably shouldn’t do and you’ll regret in the morning.” In the song that ‘something’ is to spontaneously marry someone.

Someone recently said to me that “now the US is gone things will return to as they were in the past.” That is a complicated statement as many do not realise what Afghanistan, and particularly Kabul, used to be like.

Every name has a meaning. Whether or not the individual lives up to their name is a different or perhaps even irrelevant matter. Whilst arguably our names and titles hold little importance and provide no more than a small glimpse into our lives, there is a Name above all others (Philippians 2:9). His name holds the greatest of importance, for “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

In these changing days, our history is suppressed

But remember us, remember our name.

We are the covenanters

And we stand with Christ.

As most of you will know with this pandemic going on the cinemas have not been that easy to get to. So, I have taken this version of the messengers review to an Amazon prime movie. I realise not everybody has Amazon prime, but you can't get this movie through other means either by buying as a DVD or renting it or whatever floats your boat. The movie I have chosen Is ‘Knives Out’.

A desire for freedom is inherent in man. A yearning for liberty is part of the very soul of mankind. We can see it if we look through any history book. Tale after tale of people struggling to free themselves from oppression.

When we find high-profile sportsmen or women who share our faith getting slaughtered in the regular media or on social media for their outspoken views, or for what the world sees as outdated and intolerant convictions, how should we respond?

All ethnic Jews can trace their roots back to forebears who were refugees and migrants. From their original temporary residence in Canaan, to their becoming refugees and then slaves in Egypt, right through to the 40-year trek that took them finally to a homeland of their own, they were 'of no fixed abode' and were often dependent on the kindness of pagan neighbours in order to survive. And God used that kindness - even from their erstwhile oppressors, the Egyptians - to sustain them. But how quickly Israel forgot.

Twenty minutes of mindless scrolling YouTube on my phone and I can’t even tell you what I’m watching anymore or why. It’s amazing how quickly time slips away without any purpose - films, music, video games, TV, books, magazines, social media, podcasts. We have more control over how we curate our content than ever before, so why does it often feel like we’re still failing when it comes to what we listen to and watch?

WE ALL love mysteries. Story writers know how we are enticed by a tale where the true causes of an event lie hidden in complex plans devised by powerful institutions. You are drawn in as you follow the hero’s discoveries, and all is put right once the evildoers are exposed and vanquished. The present popularity of conspiracy theories reaches far beyond the world of entertainment.

The congregations of Ballenon and Ballylane are a joint charge, both congregations in and of themselves being too small numerically and unable financially to have a pastor of their own.  The church buildings are located just over halfway between Armagh and Newry in the townlands of Loughguilly (Ballenon) and Mowhan (Ballylane). Currently there are two elders in Ballenon and three in Ballylane (one of whom is retired from duties due to advanced age).

That feeling you get as you stand taking in the staggering height of the Cliffs of Moher, seeing the waves pound ferociously at their feet. The spine-tingling sound of a skilled musician reveling in that cello concerto. A clear day across the breath-taking Mourne mountains or the crisp, clean whiteness of newly fallen snow. Awe.

This is a story about an Australian school teacher, a Co Down farmer, a long boat journey to Ethiopia, language study, three children, schools, clinics, chickens, chess sets, two famines, a revolution, a civil war and a spider plant. Sort of in that order.