The Bible Matters Podcast

In a culture captivated by power, wealth and influence, the book of Esther tells the story of God's people living in a world where he seems absent. Set in the mighty Persian Empire, Esther paints a picture of life at a time when believers were marginalised, vulnerable and living under the shadow of persecution. Yet although God's name is never mentioned in the book, his presence can be seen on every page. In this episode, we explore how God works behind the scenes through ordinary events, unlikely coincidences and flawed people to accomplish his purposes. Esther reminds us that even when God feels distant, unseen does not mean gone. Questions answered in this episode: Why is the book of Esther so unusual within the Bible? What was life like for God's people living under the Persian Empire? How can we trust God when he seems absent or silent? What does Esther teach us about living faithfully in a secular culture? How does God's hidden hand guide history and protect his people? The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters To contact us, email [email protected]

Christian history is often dismissed as irrelevant or outdated, but what if many of the freedoms, institutions and values we cherish today can be traced back to followers of Jesus? In this episode, we sit down with Ben Virgo to explore the remarkable stories of Christians who helped shape not just London, but the modern world itself. Questions answered in this episode: How did Christianity help shape the world we live in today? Why was William Tyndale so influential in the history of England? What role did Christians play in bringing about social change and reform? Why is Christian history often overlooked or forgotten? What can the stories of figures like Tyndale, Newton and Wilberforce teach believers today? The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters To contact us, email [email protected]. 

Why do our greatest achievements never quite satisfy us? Why do we experience joy and sorrow, gain and loss, laughter and tears, all within the same life? In Ecclesiastes 3, we explore the famous passage about "a time for everything" and discover that our frustration with life isn't accidental. God has placed eternity in the human heart, creating in us a deep longing that nothing in this world can fully satisfy. As we learn to accept our limits and trust God's perfect timing, we are pointed towards the only one who can answer our deepest questions: Jesus Christ. Questions Answered in This Episode Why does life feel both beautiful and frustrating at the same time? What does it mean that there is "a time for everything"? Why are so many of us exhausted by trying to control our lives? What does Ecclesiastes mean when it says God has "set eternity in the human heart"? How does Jesus give us hope in the face of death and the passing of time? The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters To contact us, email [email protected] 

What is Ecclesiastes actually about? Is it a book about meaninglessness, or is it doing something much deeper? In this episode, we sit down with John Alcock, pastor of Globe Church in London, to explore one of the Bible's most enigmatic books and why its message continues to resonate so strongly today. Questions answered in this episode: Is Ecclesiastes describing life without God, or life under God's curse? What does “vanity” really mean in the book of Ecclesiastes? Why do so many Christians find Ecclesiastes both comforting and unsettling? How should pastors preach a book that seems deliberately enigmatic? How does Ecclesiastes prepare us to long for Jesus and the coming kingdom? The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters  To contact us, email [email protected] 

In this episode we feature a seminar by Kevin DeYoung at Trinity Westminster Church. The occasion was the launch of Kevin's book Church History for Everyone and in his talk, he considered why church history matters to Christians, and how it can be best used in line with our own ministry.  The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters  o contact us, email [email protected] 

Why does Ecclesiastes begin with the startling claim that "everything is meaningless"? In this episode, we begin our new series in Ecclesiastes by exploring what one of the Bible's most misunderstood books is really saying. Rather than teaching that life has no meaning, Ecclesiastes confronts us with the painful reality of life in a world that is frustrated, broken, and under the curse of sin.   Questions answered in this episode What does Ecclesiastes really mean when it says "everything is meaningless"? Why does life often feel frustrating, fleeting, and unsatisfying? What are people actually searching for when they chase success, possessions, or recognition? Why does Ecclesiastes insist that nothing is ultimately gained, new, or remembered? How does Jesus provide the answer to the struggles and questions raised in Ecclesiastes? The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters   To contact us, email [email protected]    

In this episode  Leo spoke to Richard Coombs, Rector of St Matthew's & The Minster in Cheltenham, UK. Drawing on decades of ministry experience, Richard reflects on two church revitalisation stories, sharing what he learned about leadership, patience, prayer, and the slow work of gospel transformation. Questions answered in this episode How can a struggling church be revitalised without causing division? Why is Bible teaching the foundation of lasting church growth? What mistakes do leaders commonly make when trying to bring change? How should Christians handle disagreement within the church, particularly on difficult issues? Why does real gospel transformation often take much longer than we expect? The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters    To contact us, email [email protected]   

In this episode we feature a talk by William Taylor on Song of Songs 7-8. In it, William considers the book's conclusion and how it fits into the context of salvation history and the Old Testament's Christology. Questions answered in this episode: What does the Song of Songs teach us about true love? Why does the Bible present love as something to be guarded and treasured? How are sexual immorality and idolatry connected in Scripture? In what ways does the Song of Songs point us beyond Solomon to Jesus? What does it mean to be loved with a love that is stronger than death? The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters To contact us, email [email protected] 

The Song of Songs is one of the Bible's most beautiful and mysterious books. Is it simply a collection of ancient love poetry, or is there something deeper going on? In this episode, William Taylor joins Leo Elbourne to explore the Bible's celebration of love, marriage, and sexual intimacy, and why this often-misunderstood book remains so relevant today. Questions answered in this episode Is Song of Songs really about sex, or is it just a metaphor? Why does Song of Songs mention Solomon, and what role does he play in the book? What does Song of Songs teach about love, marriage, and intimacy? Why is the command "do not awaken love until it pleases" repeated throughout the book? How does Song of Songs point us to Christ and the church? The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters    To contact us, email [email protected]   

The Song of Songs is one of the most surprising books in the Bible. Often ignored, misunderstood, or treated with embarrassment, it presents a bold and beautiful celebration of love, marriage, and sexual intimacy as gifts from God.   In this episode, we begin our journey through Song of Songs, exploring why the Bible speaks so positively about sex while also insisting that it must be protected within God's design for marriage. Along the way, we consider how God's vision for love challenges both unhealthy religious attitudes and the confusion of modern culture. Questions Answered in This Episode What is the purpose of the Song of Songs? Does the Bible celebrate sexual love? Why does God place boundaries around sex? What does the Song of Songs teach about marriage and faithfulness? How does biblical love differ from modern cultural views of relationships? The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters   To contact us, email [email protected]