The Sunday Refill (29/9/24) - 7 Links for Your Weekend

Seven up...

1) Unscripted - This looks interesting from LICC. As they say, 'If you’re looking for vulnerable, candid conversations about hot topics like online dating, vaping, swearing, and holidaying with your significant other before you’re married, Unscripted is the series for you.' And they're only 20 minutes or so...

2) Hunting for Jesus through the pages of Scripture - I enjoyed reading this as a new missions initiative. Sue Aranzulla, serving in Bologna, Italy, has written a series of five books titled All about Jesus, aimed at children aged 7-9 and their parents. Each book explores Old Testament stories that point to Jesus, helping families see how all Scripture centres on Him - through creative storytelling, reflection questions, and vivid illustrations.

3) Mike Pilavachi Review - In November 2023 the Trustees of Soul Survivor festivals, Soul Survivor Watford, and Soul61 (collectively known as Soul Survivor) commissioned Fiona Scolding KC to conduct an Independent Review into the culture and practices of Soul Survivor, following the National Safeguarding Team’s investigation into Mike Pilavachi. This Review was published this week and is now available here. Natalie Collins offers some significant critique of the limits and framing of the Review here, whilst Matt Redman, who was the first public figure to speak out about the abuse he experienced under Pilavachi, shared this:

4) Isaac Watts on Songs of Praise - In this upcoming episode of SoP, Dr Daniel Johnson breaks down the genius of Sir Isaac Watts’ hymn writing. I loved this clip here - particularly the way they reflect on When I Survey.

5) The Fight for the Night - This is a Sleep Seminar from Dr Steve Smith, founder of Live From Rest. It's on Zoom, tomorrow (Mon 30th, 7.30pm UK time) - it came across my desk and I just wondered if it might be a gift to some.

6) Has God "Changed His Mind" on Sexuality? - Gavin Ortlund and Rebecca McLaughlin give an hour to discussing a new book on the place of sexuality in the Bible by Christopher and Richard Hays, entitled The Widening of God’s Mercy: Sexuality Within the Biblical Story. The book has generated a fair bit of heat, and it's a worthwhile conversation to follow. Rebecca's written review is here, and Preston Sprinkle has another extensive review here.

7) God's Grandeur - For something a bit different, how about the King reciting Gerard Manley Hopkins' 1877 piece of pulsing wordsmithery, God’s Grandeur? I'd not seen this before, but apparently it's from Easter 2021. Buckle up for a poetic ride that’s part nature documentary, part spiritual reflection, and fully charged with hope!

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