God Questions

What if the ancient biblical promise of “aliyah” was never primarily about soil, borders, or geography — but about the ascent of the human heart toward Christ? In this reflective episode of God Questions, Pastor Ian explores the profound spiritual meaning behind Israel’s “return,” tracing how Scripture moves us from land to Lord, from soil to Saviour.We look at why past generations — from Cromwell to Ryle — expected a physical restoration of Israel, and how their historical context shaped that reading. Then we step into the Hebrew roots of the word aliyah, discovering that its deepest meaning is “ascent,” not migration.Through the lens of the New Testament, we explore how Jesus, James, Revelation, and Paul re‑centre the promise around Christ Himself. The true gathering of Israel is not merely a return to a place, but a return to the Messiah — the Ark of the Covenant, the Temple not made with hands, and the Holy Land in whom all God’s promises find their fulfilment.This episode invites you into a quiet, contemplative ascent of your own — a “micro‑aliyah” of daily faith, rising toward the presence of Christ.

Pastor Ian ThompsonWhy did King James II send seven Anglican bishops to the Tower of London in 1688?In this episode of God Questions, we explore one of the most dramatic and defining moments in Protestant history: the Trial of the Seven Bishops.We look at:the political and religious crisis under James IIthe king’s controversial Declaration of Indulgencewhy the bishops refused to read it in their churchesthe constitutional issue of royal prerogativethe arrest and imprisonment of the bishopsthe dramatic trial and their unexpected acquittalhow this moment helped trigger the Glorious RevolutionWe also name and discuss the seven men at the heart of the conflict:William Sancroft, Archbishop of CanterburyThomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and WellsFrancis Turner, Bishop of ElyJohn Lake, Bishop of ChichesterThomas White, Bishop of PeterboroughWilliam Lloyd, Bishop of St AsaphJonathan Trelawny, Bishop of BristolThis episode explains why their stand for conscience, law, and Protestant faith still matters today — and how their courage helped shape the freedoms we enjoy.If you enjoy historical theology, Protestant heritage, or the story of how faith and law intersect, this is an episode worth hearing.

In this powerful episode of God Questions, we step into one of the most dramatic and misunderstood moments in the Gospels — the woman caught in adultery in John 8. What begins as a brutal public shaming becomes a breathtaking revelation of who Jesus really is: the One who holds perfect justice and perfect mercy in the same hand.We explore the trap set by the Pharisees, the silent tension of Jesus writing in the dust, the meaning of the stones they carried, and the Old Testament imagery behind His actions. This episode uncovers why the most dangerous place in the story isn’t where you think it is — and why the safest place for any sinner is always at the feet of Jesus.Whether you’ve ever felt exposed, ashamed, or unworthy… or whether you’ve ever felt the pull of self‑righteousness… this story holds up a mirror for every one of us.In this episode we cover:Why the Pharisees’ legal case was a deliberate trapThe meaning of halakhah (“the way to walk”) and how it was weaponisedWhy Jesus wrote in the dust — and how Jeremiah 17:13 unlocks the meaningThe sins of the poor vs. the sins of the religiousWhy the elders dropped their stones firstWhy mercy and justice must meet togetherWhat “Neither do I condemn thee… go and sin no more” really meansWhy the only safe place for a sinner is at the feet of JesusThis is a message of hope for the broken, a warning for the proud, and a reminder that the Cross and the Second Coming are both present in Jesus’ final words to this woman.If you’ve ever wondered whether God could forgive you, this episode is for you.

Pastor Ian Thompson explores the most important questions people ask about God, the Bible, and the Christian faith. Each episode gives a clear and simple explanation, using the Authorised Version (KJV) and language that is easy to understand — even for listeners with English as a second language.Whether you are new to Christianity, returning to faith, or simply curious, God Questions offers short, biblical, and trustworthy teaching on topics such as salvation, grace, repentance, the Trinity, the image of God, and what it means to follow Jesus Christ.Every episode is designed to help you grow in understanding, strengthen your faith, and see the beauty of God’s truth in Scripture.If you have a question about God — this is the place to start.

Pastor Ian Thompson — Bootle Protestant Free ChurchIn this episode of God Questions, Pastor Ian explores one of the most quoted — and most misunderstood — statements in Scripture: “God is love.”  Many today use the phrase to justify anything, excuse everything, and silence every call to repentance. But the love of God revealed in Scripture is not indulgent, sentimental, or permissive. It is holy, purifying, and transforming.Drawing from 1 John, the ministry of Jesus, and the dramatic conversions of Zacchaeus and Saul, this episode shows that God receives us as we are — but never leaves us as we are. His love rescues, restores, confronts, cleanses, and makes us new creations in Christ.If you’ve ever wondered what agapē truly means, why divine love is better understood as charity (self‑giving, covenantal love), or why holiness is inseparable from love, this message will strengthen your faith and sharpen your understanding of God’s character.Key themes:“God is love” — what it means and what it does not meanHoly love vs. cultural sentimentalityChrist as the revelation and measure of divine loveTransformation: Zacchaeus, the woman caught in adultery, Saul/PaulWhy God’s love calls us to repentance and holinessBecoming a new creation in ChristPerfect for:  Believers seeking clarity, new Christians learning the foundations of God’s character, and anyone wrestling with modern distortions of biblical love.

In this episode of God Questions, Pastor Ian Thompson explores one of the most common questions Christians ask: What actually happens in baptism?Rather than treating baptism as a ritual or a ticket to salvation, this episode explains it as a Spirit‑led milestone — a response to God’s work already happening inside a person. Pastor Ian unpacks why the desire for baptism begins with the Holy Spirit, how water acts as a public seal of an inward faith, and why the heart matters more than the method.The episode also tackles a question many people struggle with: Is infant baptism valid? Pastor Ian explains how the act can be meaningful when it is later owned through confirmation or personal declaration of faith.Whether you’re new to Christianity, preparing for baptism, or simply trying to understand what the Bible teaches, this episode offers a clear, gentle, and accessible guide to the meaning of Spirit and water, obedience, and the lifelong journey of discipleship.

In this episode of God Questions, Pastor Ian Thompson explores one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings: Why is the way to eternal life described as narrow?Rather than assuming listeners already understand the doctrine, this episode explains the difference between the universal offer of salvation and the personal response required to enter the kingdom of God. Ian unpacks why repentance is more than feeling sorry, why faith must lead to transformation, and why religious identity or moral behaviour alone cannot save.The episode also examines the cost of discipleship — the surrender of the old life, the turning of the heart toward God, and the obedience that flows from genuine belief. It is a call to honest self‑examination, showing that salvation is a gift offered to all, but received only by those who truly follow Christ.Clear, direct, and accessible, this episode helps listeners understand what Jesus meant by the narrow gate, and why the path of faith is both costly and life‑giving.

In this episode of God Questions, Pastor Ian Thompson explains why the Bible contains so many covenants — and why they all seem to follow the same pattern. From Eden to Noah, from Abraham to David, each covenant begins with God’s initiative and ends with human failure. But instead of abandoning His people, God keeps reaching out.This episode explores how that repeated pattern leads to the Covenant of Grace, fulfilled at the Cross. Ian explains how Jesus Christ succeeds where humanity never could, taking the weight of faithfulness onto Himself and securing a promise that cannot be broken.Clear and accessible, this episode helps listeners understand why salvation rests not on human performance but on God’s persistence, and why the eternal covenant offers real assurance for every believer.