Jesus’ three promises on Palm Sunday
In a world of chaos and declining faith in institutions, Jesus' Palm Sunday message offers a distinct form of peace, contrasting with society's inclination towards temporary fixes like drugs and materialism. Amidst personal trials and imminent crucifixion, he highlighted three crucial aspects of peace. 1) Peace with God: through his death and resurrection, Jesus created a way to reconcile humanity with God, fulfilling his primary mission of establishing peace between mankind and the divine, as Paul articulates in Romans. 2) The peace of God: Jesus advised his followers to focus on noble and truthful thoughts, cultivating a mental discipline rooted in faith. This mindset fosters God’s peace, allowing believers to experience tranquillity despite life’s challenges. 3) The peace of the future: the Bible foretells a future era of remarkable peace following Jesus’ return, where harmony will prevail as prophesied in Isaiah. The ‘peace that surpasses human understanding’ provides comfort and hope in tumultuous times.
Drawn to God after acting in a film about missionaries
Actor Ryan Phillippe revealed a newfound craving for a relationship with God following a spiritual journey sparked by his role in 'Prey’, a film about a Christian missionary couple in the Kalahari desert. After completing the movie, Phillippe delved into religious readings and sought deeper spiritual understanding. Despite success and wealth, he felt unfulfilled and turned to spirituality for peace and satisfaction. He found solace in reconnecting with his faith and exploring the Bible and other religious texts. His spiritual exploration led to significant personal changes, including overcoming depression and addictions. He expressed gratitude for his life's blessings and emphasised the importance of inner reflection in achieving peace and understanding God. Although it is unclear if Phillippe specifically seeks a connection with the God of the Bible, his journey is noteworthy. His openness about his spiritual quest and the positive changes it brought has encouraged others to consider their own spiritual paths.
Christian phone line relaunched after cash boost
DailyHOPE, a free national telephone service providing music, prayers, and reflections from the Church of England, has been relaunched following a significant donation. Initially established in April 2020 to assist older individuals without online access during the coronavirus lockdowns, DailyHOPE became a crucial spiritual resource for many. Run in partnership with Faith in Later Life, it had closed in January 2023 due to funding issues but has now resumed. Faith in Later Life’s CEO has stressed the line's importance, noting its role as a lifeline for older people, particularly during the pandemic when many lost mobility and confidence. With nearly half of the over-65s in the country unable or unwilling to use the internet, DailyHOPE fulfils a vital need. Plans are under way to expand its content and appeal to a broader audience of Christians and older people exploring faith. In 2023, the service recorded over 100,000 calls.
Surprise inflation drop could mean cheaper mortgages
UK inflation has dropped to 3.4%, the lowest in over two and a half years, potentially signalling a Bank of England (BoE) interest rate cut this summer. This decrease, primarily driven by slower food price increases, may lead to cheaper mortgages, providing relief to homeowners. Initially predicted at 3.5%, the February inflation rate was pleasantly surprising, especially as food inflation fell to 5% from 7% in January. The decline supports Rishi Sunak's commitment to reduce inflation, and aligns with the BoE's target of 2%. This news prompted NatWest to lower mortgage rates even before the BoE's decision. Financial markets expect the BoE to maintain the current 5.25% interest rate, but the reduced inflation increases the likelihood of a summer cut, which could significantly lower mortgage payments. However, renters face contrasting challenges, with rental costs rising at record rates due to market constraints. The average UK rent soared by 9% over the past year. As homeowners anticipate potential financial relief, renters continue to struggle with escalating living expenses.
