The UtG Podcast

In this fourth and final episode host Alistair MacPherson and guest Keith Palmer wrap up their series on OCD by taking a closer look at the nature of introspection. Why does OCD drive people into endless self-analysis, and how does that differ from the heart-examining reflection the Bible encourages? In this episode, the two discuss the contrast between introspection rooted in the gospel and introspection rooted in fear and shame. They also offer practical insight into how someone can move from unhealthy, guilt-producing self-examination toward a form of reflection that brings clarity, comfort, and spiritual growth. For more information about life issues such as OCD please check out www.biblicalsoulcare.co.uk Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

In this third episode of the UTG Podcast, guest Keith Palmer joins Alasdair MacPherson to explore the deep heart issues at the center of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder—especially the longing for certainty. While certainty itself is not wrong, in fact, we all desire it, those struggling with OCD often seek it through their own strength, chasing an unattainable and exhausting level of assurance. Keith and Alasdair unpack how this pursuit becomes a burden and why it can never fully satisfy. Yet the episode doesn’t end with despair. Together they discuss how the gospel speaks powerfully into the struggle, offering a certainty rooted not in personal effort but in God’s unchanging character, His faithful work, and His ongoing involvement in our lives. Join us for a compassionate, theologically rich conversation on how gospel hope meets real-life mental and spiritual battles. For more information about life issues such as OCD please check out www.biblicalsoulcare.co.uk Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

In this episode, we sit down once again with Keith Palmer to explore the struggles many face with OCD, especially the way people respond to intrusive thoughts. We unpack the five common patterns - checkers, washers, organisers, hoarders, and obsessors - and look beneath the surface to the deeper heart issues at play. Together, we consider how Scripture speaks into these struggles and how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers real hope and practical help for those wrestling with these challenges. For more information about life issues such as OCD please check out www.biblicalsoulcare.co.uk Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

In this thought-provoking episode, host Alasdair MacPherson sits down with Keith Palmer to explore the intersection of the gospel and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder. Together they unpack what lies at the heart of the struggle for Christians wrestling with OCD, moving beyond surface-level symptoms to the deeper issues of fear, assurance, conscience, and misplaced hope. Dr. Palmer brings biblical wisdom as he helps listeners distinguish between temporary alleviation and true gospel centred hope. Whether you personally battle OCD or want to better understand and care for those who do, this episode offers a compassionate, Christ-centred look at a challenging issue, with the goal of pointing listeners back to the One who brings true peace to the anxious heart. For more information about life issues such as OCD please check out www.biblicalsoulcare.co.uk Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Welcome to UtG Voices - the monthly podcast from UtG, where we speak to different contributors, working behind the scenes to bring you the latest UtG content. In this episode, we’re joined by two different UtG contributors. We begin by chatting with Douglas Robertson about some of his recently published articles. For the second part of this episode, we’ll be speaking to Paul Coxall, who gives us a preview of the upcoming Doctrines of Grace series. Get a deeper look into the work, the voices, and the content, shaping UtG. Check out: What is the prosperity gospel: https://understandingthegospel.org/explore-the-gospel/short-articles/what-is-the-prosperity-gospel Why can't my good works save me: https://understandingthegospel.org/explore-the-gospel/short-articles/why-can-t-my-good-works-save-me Paul's testimony: https://understandingthegospel.org/personal-stories/all-things-for-good-pauls-story/  www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcRcaIins2U&t=188s Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

How Churches Can Respond to the Quiet Revival In the final episode of this series, Alasdair MacPherson and Stephen Grant turn from analysis to action-asking how churches can respond faithfully and creatively to the “quiet revival” emerging across the UK. As more people express curiosity about faith and Scripture, what can Christian communities do to nurture that interest into genuine discipleship? We’ll share practical insights for mission, outreach, and spiritual formation, alongside real examples of churches and ministries already engaging well with seekers and new believers. Together, we’ll consider what helps people move from initial curiosity to a deeper, lived faith-and what pitfalls the Church should avoid along the way. Finally, we’ll explore how each of us can play a part in this movement, both personally and within our local church communities. https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org & Check out: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/ Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Why the Bible Still Matters in a Secular Society In this episode, Alasdair MacPherson and Stephen Grant explore the surprising ways the Bible continues to speak into modern public life. Far from being confined to churches or private devotion, Scripture is emerging as a source of wisdom and hope in a society often described as post-religious. We’ll explore the question of how appropriate it is for Christians, in a largely secular society, to promote biblical perspectives that often stand in contrast to contemporary culture. Along the way, we’ll confront common misconceptions about Bible engagement in Britain today and uncover surprising places where biblical ideas are re-emerging in public discourse. Finally, we’ll reflect on how Christians can enter these conversations with humility, wisdom, and grace. https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org & Check out: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/ Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

How Gen Z and Millennials Are Engaging with the Bible In this episode, we dive into how younger generations are reshaping their relationship with Scripture. Unlike their parents and grandparents, Gen Z and Millennials are turning to Bible apps, social media, and online communities to explore faith in fresh, dynamic ways. But what’s driving this shift? Is it a cultural trend, a personal quest for meaning, or a spiritual awakening in digital spaces? Join Alasdair MacPherson and Stephen Grant as they begin the first of three episodes exploring the insights and implications of the Bible Society’s report, A Quiet Revival. https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org & Check out: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/ Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

In this first episode of a short investigative series, Alasdair MacPherson examines the Bible Society’s “A Quiet Revival” report,  a study suggesting a notable rise in church attendance, particularly among younger men. To understand what’s really behind these findings, Alasdair speaks with Dr Rhiannon McAleer, the lead researcher on the project. Together, they unpack the data, explore potential social and spiritual factors driving the trend, and consider what it might signal for the future of faith in the UK. Is this the beginning of a genuine revival or simply a statistical anomaly? https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org & Check out: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/ Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Welcome to UtG Voices - the new monthly podcast from UtG, where we speak to different contributors, working behind the scenes to bring you the latest UtG content. In Episode 1, we begin by talking to Stephen Grant about the vision that launched UtG and how it all began. In part 2, Jon Steeds joins us to explore his recently published series on the genres of scripture. Get a deeper look into the work, the voices, and the content shaping UtG. Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

In our final episode of the series Stephen Grant leads the discussion on defeating Idolatry. In the previous four episodes the group (Paul Coxall, Stephen Grant, Alasdair MacPherson, Ian Proud and Graham Stannard) have looked at various manifestations of idolatry, so they now deliberate on the steps that can be taken to identify and defeat idolatry. The root of the issue is seen as in the heart but the answer isn’t always to remove the object of our idolatry from your life, to stop loving it, or even to love it less but to love God more. Explore at www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

In this penultimate episode Ian Proud leads a roundtable discussion, as the panelists (Paul Coxall, Stephen Grant, Alasdair MacPherson and Graham Stannard) consider “The seduction of success” – What does having success as an idol look like? As this insidious idol is examined they consider some of the warning signs that success is becoming an idol in our lives and explore how the idol of success can be expelled and replaced. Explore at www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

In this third of five episodes, Paul Coxall hosts a round-table discussion with Stephen Grant, Ian Proud, Graham Stannard, and Alasdair MacPherson, looking at how money can be an idol. Their discussion considers many questions including:  What does it mean “to love money”?  How does “love of money” manifest itself?  How should we view money?   How should we use money? Explore at www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

A short series on spiritual idolatry, using Tim Keller’s book Counterfeit Gods as a guide. In this second episode, Graham Stannard hosts a round-table discussion with Paul Coxall, Steven Grant, Ian Proud, and Alasdair MacPherson. Together, they dig into what happiness is, how it is sought, and ultimately how it is found. Questions discussed include: •⁠  ⁠Is God a means to an end in our lives? •⁠  ⁠How can we recognise when people and relationships are turning into idols? •⁠  ⁠What does it mean to fear God? Explore at www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

We’re kicking off a short series on spiritual idolatry, using Tim Keller’s book Counterfeit Gods as a guide. In this first episode, Alasdair MacPherson hosts a round-table chat with Paul Coxall, Steven Grant, Ian Proud, and Graham Stannard. Together, they dig into some big opening questions: •⁠  ⁠What do we actually mean by “spiritual idolatry”? •⁠  ⁠Is it really a biblical concept? •⁠  ⁠And is this something Christians today need to worry about, or was it just an Old Testament issue? Explore at www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Gospel on the Mission Field with Josh Kaye Episode 8 Nominal Christianity - The Danger of Cultural Faith (with Alasdair MacPherson) Is it possible to appear Christian yet remain spiritually lost? In this episode, host Josh Kaye sits down with Alasdair MacPherson to examine the problem of nominal Christianity - when faith is cultural rather than personal. They explore the subtle dangers of growing up in a Christian environment without genuine conversion, unpack biblical warnings against empty profession, and discuss how this issue affects gospel work both locally and on the mission field. Whether you’ve been around church your whole life or you’re working to reach those who have, this conversation will challenge you to examine what it truly means to follow Christ. Episodes: Episode 1: A Weak Gospel - Part 1 - Mark Grattan Episode 2: A Weak Gospel - Part 2 - Mark Grattan Episode 3: Balancing the Gospel with Practical Mission - Dr. Serge Yumba Episode 4: Short-Term Missions - Impact or Illusion? - Jay Garrison Episode 5: The Prosperity Gospel - Promise or Peril? - Paul Jenkinson Episode 6: Eternal Security - Once Saved, Always Saved? - Josiah Musumali Episode 7: Confession - Lost Practice of a Living Faith - Steven Anderson Episode 8: Nominal Christianity - The Danger of Cultural Faith - Alasdair MacPherson Explore at www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Gospel on the Mission Field with Josh Kaye Episode 7: Confession - Lost Practice of a Living Faith (with Steven Anderson) Is confession still relevant in evangelism and the lives of believers today? In this episode, host Josh Kaye sits down with Zambian based missionary Steven Anderson to rediscover the biblical practice of confession. Together, they explore its scriptural foundations, the importance of confession being more than lip-service, and how this vital truth has been misunderstood in much of the modern church. Drawing from Steven’s experience on the mission field, this conversation offers a compelling call to encourage biblical responses to the gospel message. Episodes: Episode 1: A Weak Gospel - Part 1 - Mark Grattan Episode 2: A Weak Gospel - Part 2 - Mark Grattan Episode 3: Balancing the Gospel with Practical Mission - Dr. Serge Yumba Episode 4: Short-Term Missions - Impact or Illusion? - Jay Garrison Episode 5: The Prosperity Gospel - Promise or Peril? - Paul Jenkinson Episode 6: Eternal Security - Once Saved, Always Saved? - Josiah Musumali Episode 7: Confession - Lost Practice of a Living Faith - Steven Anderson Episode 8: Nominal Christianity - The Danger of Cultural Faith - Alasdair MacPherson Explore at www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Gospel on the Mission Field with Josh Kaye Episode 6 – Eternal Security - Once Saved, Always Saved? (with Josiah Musumali) Can a believer ever lose their salvation? In this episode, host Josh Kaye sits down with Zambian missionary Josiah Musumali to explore the doctrine of eternal security. Together, they unpack the biblical foundation for assurance of salvation, examine common misconceptions, and discuss how this doctrine plays out practically on the mission field. Whether you’re wrestling with doubt or seeking clarity, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to think deeply about what it means to be truly saved - and to stay saved. Episodes: Episode 1: A Weak Gospel - Part 1 - Mark Grattan Episode 2: A Weak Gospel - Part 2 - Mark Grattan Episode 3: Balancing the Gospel with Practical Mission - Dr. Serge Yumba Episode 4: Short-Term Missions - Impact or Illusion? - Jay Garrison Episode 5: The Prosperity Gospel - Promise or Peril? - Paul Jenkinson Episode 6: Eternal Security - Once Saved, Always Saved? - Josiah Musumali Episode 7: Confession - Lost Practice of a Living Faith - Steven Anderson Episode 8: Nominal Christianity - The Danger of Cultural Faith - Alasdair MacPherson Explore at www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Gospel on the Mission Field with Josh Kaye Episode 5 – The Prosperity Gospel: Promise or Peril? (with Paul Jenkinson) Across many mission fields today, the Prosperity Gospel is gaining influence but is it a true reflection of the biblical gospel? In this thought-provoking episode, host Josh Kaye speaks with missionary Paul Jenkinson to examine the roots, rise, and reach of the Prosperity Gospel. Together, they unpack its appeal and the potential spiritual harm it poses, especially in vulnerable communities. This conversation challenges listeners to discern truth from distortion and stay anchored in the gospel of Christ. Episodes: Episode 1: A Weak Gospel - Part 1 - Mark Grattan Episode 2: A Weak Gospel - Part 2 - Mark Grattan Episode 3: Balancing the Gospel with Practical Mission - Dr. Serge Yumba Episode 4: Short-Term Missions - Impact or Illusion? - Jay Garrison Episode 5: The Prosperity Gospel - Promise or Peril? - Paul Jenkinson Episode 6: Eternal Security - Once Saved, Always Saved? - Josiah Musumali Episode 7: Confession - Lost Practice of a Living Faith - Steven Anderson Episode 8: Nominal Christianity - The Danger of Cultural Faith - Alasdair MacPherson Explore at www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Gospel on the Mission Field with Josh Kaye Episode 4 – Short-Term Missions: Impact or Illusion? (with Jay Garrison) Short-term mission trips have become a widespread expression of global evangelism- but are they truly effective? In this episode, host Josh Kaye speaks with Jay Garrison to examine the real impact of short-term missions. Are they advancing the gospel or creating an illusion of meaningful outreach? This honest conversation challenges assumptions, explores common pitfalls, and seeks a vision for short-term missions that truly serves the mission field. Episodes: Episode 1: A Weak Gospel - Part 1 - Mark Grattan Episode 2: A Weak Gospel - Part 2 - Mark Grattan Episode 3: Balancing the Gospel with Practical Mission - Dr. Serge Yumba Episode 4: Short-Term Missions - Impact or Illusion? - Jay Garrison Episode 5: The Prosperity Gospel - Promise or Peril? - Paul Jenkinson Episode 6: Eternal Security - Once Saved, Always Saved? - Josiah Musumali Episode 7: Confession - Lost Practice of a Living Faith - Steven Anderson  Episode 8: Nominal Christianity - The Danger of Cultural Faith - Alasdair MacPherson Explore at www.understandingthegospel.org Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube