Author: Rev. David Gray

A.E. Wilder-Smith: The Atheist Who Found God Some of the most powerful testimonies come from those who once stood firmly against faith. Arthur Ernest Wilder-Smith was born in Reading, England, on 22 December 1915. Raised in an agnostic household, he concluded early in life that God could not exist. In his own words, ‘If a loving God really existed, He surely would not have tolerated all the injustice and suffering evident in the world.’ It was a reasonable objection. Many have asked the same question. Yet this brilliant young scientist, who would go on to earn three doctorates and teach…

On Orthodox Easter Sunday, April 12, 2026, President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image to his Truth Social platform that depicted him as a Christ-like figure. The image showed Trump wearing a white robe with light emanating from his hands, appearing to heal a kneeling figure in a scene unmistakably modelled on depictions of Jesus. The reaction was swift and fierce — not from Trump’s critics, but from his most loyal Christian supporters. “I don’t know if the President thought he was being funny or if he is under the influence of some substance or what possible explanation he could…

On April 13, 2026, Pope Leo XIV made history by becoming the first pontiff to visit Algeria. But it was what happened inside the Grand Mosque of Algiers that sparked controversy across the Christian world. The pope removed his shoes, stood beside the imam, and prayed silently for over 30 seconds — facing the qibla, the wall pointing toward Mecca. This marked a dramatic shift. Just five months earlier in Istanbul, Pope Leo had declined an imam’s invitation to pray inside the Blue Mosque, choosing instead to simply “look around.” What changed between November and April? And more importantly: should…

Few questions stir more controversy among believers than this: do Christians and Muslims worship the same God? Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to the Grand Mosque of Algiers has reignited this centuries-old debate, with the pontiff calling the mosque “a divine and sacred space” and urging Christians to be “less fearful of Islam.” For Christians seeking biblical clarity, the answer requires careful examination of Scripture rather than political correctness or interfaith diplomacy. At Higher Praise, we believe God’s Word provides the framework for understanding this complex question. The Case for “Yes” — Common Ground Those who argue Christians and Muslims…

Behind every great man in Scripture stood a faithful mother. Moses had Jochebed. Samuel had Hannah. Timothy had Eunice. Jesus Himself had Mary. The Bible doesn’t romanticise motherhood. These women faced infertility, poverty, danger, loss, and heartbreak. Yet their faith shaped nations, produced prophets, and ultimately brought forth the Saviour of the world. If you’re looking for inspiration this Mother’s Day — or any day — look no further than these godly mothers in the Bible whose legacies still speak today. Eve: The First Mother Every mother traces her calling back to one woman. Genesis 3:20 — “Adam named his…

When Is Mother’s Day? A Complete Guide to Dates Around the World Higher Praise If you’ve ever wished your mum a happy Mother’s Day only to be told “that was last month” — you’re not alone. Mother’s Day isn’t a universal date. Different countries celebrate on different days, and the reasons go back centuries. Some follow religious calendars. Others chose dates with historical significance. A few simply adopted the American model. Here’s everything you need to know about when Mother’s Day falls around the world — and why the dates differ so dramatically. Quick Answer: When Is Mother’s Day 2026?…

If you celebrated Easter last Sunday, you might be surprised to learn that millions of Christians around the world are celebrating it today. Orthodox Easter — known as Pascha — falls on a different date than Western Easter in most years. In 2026, Western churches celebrated on April 5th, while Orthodox Christians celebrate on April 12th. But why the difference? And what makes Orthodox Easter unique? Why Orthodox Easter Falls on a Different Date The short answer: different calendars. Western churches (Catholic and Protestant) use the Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. Orthodox churches continue using the…

In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine published a list of the “25 Most Underrated Guitarists.” The names read like a who’s who of rock royalty: Prince. George Harrison. Kurt Cobain. Neil Young. Lindsey Buckingham. One name stood out to mainstream readers: Phil Keaggy. Most people had never heard of him. Yet there he was, alongside some of the most celebrated musicians in history, recognised by one of the world’s most influential music publications. For those who knew, it wasn’t a surprise. Phil Keaggy has been quietly stunning audiences and fellow musicians for over fifty years. Seven Dove Awards. Grammy nominations. Induction…

If you’ve spent any time in Christian music circles or guitar forums, you’ve probably heard this story: Someone once asked Jimi Hendrix — or sometimes it’s Eric Clapton — “How does it feel to be the greatest guitarist in the world?” The rock legend supposedly replied, “I don’t know. Go ask Phil Keaggy.” It’s a great story. It validates Christian music. It suggests that secular rock icons secretly acknowledged a believer as their superior. The only problem? It never happened. But here’s what’s interesting: the myth has persisted for decades, and it refuses to die. Why? Because even though the…

It’s one of the hardest decisions a family can face. Your parent is getting older. They’re struggling to manage alone. Maybe they’ve had a fall. Maybe their memory is slipping. Maybe you’re exhausted from trying to help while juggling work, children, and your own health. Someone suggests a care home. It seems like the sensible option. After all, professionals can provide round-the-clock support. Your parent will be safe. You’ll get your life back. But something doesn’t sit right. A quiet voice whispers: Is this what I’m supposed to do? Is this honouring my parent — or abandoning them? If you’re…