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Ascend Higher: The Podcast

Articles in Ascend often need to be ruthlessly edited down to fit within the required word count. To give space to discuss certain articles in greater depth, the TFT staff team will be recording occasional podcasts under the banner “Ascend Higher”, covering the issues raised in a more conversational style. To hear it for yourself, you can use the audio player below, or find the corresponding articles toward the bottom of this page. Also look for us wherever you normally listen to your podcasts by searching "Ascend Higher".

"Sticky" arguments

Some revisionist theologians’ arguments have sticking power because they resonate with our cultural norms. Put another way, they are persuasive because they draw on modern Western values and assumptions. This brief article considers four “sticky” arguments and how to respond well from a biblical perspective. 

Are you a good waiter?

What sort of waiter are you? I’m not a very good one.

Have you ever joined in with a group singing, “Why are we waiting?” Perhaps you were hungry, the food had not yet arrived and you were impatient! We live in a culture of impatience.

He thinks he might be gay!

In this conversation, Jamie (a same-sex attracted TFT member) talks to his good friend Matt about how they have each encouraged one another through their friendship.

Finding my safe space

I came out to a couple of my non-Christian friends as “bi”, and I told them not to tell anyone else, which they respected.

Betrothed to Christ

As I was preparing it, I just sensed the Lord saying, “betrothed not married - betrothed". This interview with Jeanette explores the idea of being betrothed to Christ, particularly looking at the ancient Jewish betrothal process. Jeanette draws out the parallels with the situation of all Christians, as they await being fully united with Christ in the life to come.

Review: "Boy Erased" directed by Joel Edgerton

This film presents some shocking and damaging abuse of a young man Jared. Donald explains the impact the film had on him and whether he would recommend others to watch it.

Is it wise to debate biblical sexuality?

This article is an edited extract from a much longer conversation about disagreeing well with those holding to a revisionist view of scripture. Stuart Parker was in conversation with Andrew Goddard for the Ascend Higher podcast. Andrew is an Assistant Minister at a church in London and a tutor in Christian Ethics. Over the last three years, he has deeply involved himself in the Church of England’s project “Living in Love and Faith”, which has brought together church leaders from both traditional and revisionist perspectives.

Dealing with Disappointments

It would be preferable to write the article “How I Dealt with Disappointment” as if I had gone through all the disappointment and come out the other side – “It’s in the past; just peace and joy from here on in.” Unfortunately, I would not be able to write that with much integrity. 

God Sets The Lonely In Families

I was grumbling at my heavenly Father about the anticipated lack of touch, instead of expectantly asking for his generous provision of companionship. But here were friends from church, at the end of a phone line, asking if I would like to join them, several times a week, till… whenever. It has been God’s gracious provision for me, even when I was too moody to ask for it.