As I write this introduction, I’ve just returned from a week in the Lake District, where I’ve been at a conference helping Christian leaders be better leaders. One of the things that struck me most is the way in which biblical Christianity saturates every corner of our lives – or at least it should. As Abraham Kuyper, the 19th-century Dutch politician cum theologian said, ‘There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, “Mine!”’
This edition of the magazine reflects a little of that breadth. We explore character and virtue, with Sarah Bennington looking at ‘Generosity and the heart of God’, and John Woolley exploring kindness. Then both Paul Mallard and Phil Hill reflect on different ways in which suffering has touched them personally, and how God is using it for their good.
Elsewhere, Dave Gobbett examines the often-confusing concept of gender, with a thoughtful and challenging piece that deserves to be widely read. We’ve also a fascinating testimony from Nicki Cockburn who got rather more than she bargained for when she volunteered to serve on a Beach Mission.
You can also join our authors as we visit the United States with Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones, take forbidden Bibles into Cuba, and take the gospel to different corners of Wales.
As always, we trust there is something for everyone – eternal truth for our contemporary world. Do pray for yourself as you embark on this issue of the magazine. Why not ask God to guide you into his truth, and help you depend on him as apply it to your life?