Author: Rev. David Gray

“Amazing Grace” stands as the most recognized hymn in history. Sung at churches, funerals, civil rights rallies, and presidential memorials, it transcends denominational boundaries and cultural divides. An estimated 10 million performances occur annually worldwide. The hymn’s enduring power lies not just in its soaring melody or memorable lyrics, but in the remarkable story of its author: a man who went from slave trader to minister, from “wretch” to witness. The Early Years: A Life of Rebellion John Newton was born in London on July 24, 1725. His mother, Elizabeth, was a devout Christian who taught young John biblical principles…

I need to be honest with you about something most pastors won’t admit from the pulpit: there have been seasons in my forty years of ministry when opening my Bible felt like chewing cardboard. Times when prayer felt like talking to the ceiling. Moments when I wondered if God had packed up and left. If you’re experiencing that right now – that hollow, dry feeling where your faith feels more like obligation than joy – you’re not alone. And you’re not backsliding. You might actually be right where God wants you. Let me explain. What Spiritual Dryness Really Looks Like…

Let me paint you a picture that probably sounds familiar. It’s Sunday morning, and you’re getting the kids ready for church. Your 12-year-old rolls her eyes and asks, “Why do I have to go? None of my friends go to church.” Your 8-year-old comes home from school asking questions about gender that you weren’t prepared to answer. And your teenager seems more influenced by TikTok than anything you’ve taught them about God. If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to raise godly kids in today’s culture, you’re not alone. The statistics are sobering: research shows that most preteen children are rejecting basic…

Let me tell you about Sarah. She sits in the third pew every Sunday morning, same spot, same time. But there’s an empty seat beside her where her husband Mike used to sit. Three years ago, Mike told her he didn’t believe anymore. Just like that, their “perfect Christian marriage” became something she never expected to navigate. Sarah’s not alone. In my forty years of ministry, I’ve counseled hundreds of couples facing this exact situation. Maybe you’re there right now – feeling isolated, confused, and wondering if your marriage can survive when you and your spouse are heading in completely…

You know what drives me crazy? Watching good people stay stuck in patterns that are slowly destroying their lives. I’m talking about the guy who knows he drinks too much but can’t seem to stop. The woman who promises herself she’ll quit smoking “tomorrow” for the hundredth time. The person who keeps checking their phone every five minutes even though they hate being addicted to social media. Here’s the truth: breaking bad habits isn’t about willpower. If it was, we’d all be perfect by now, right? After forty years of ministry and raising ten kids, I’ve learned something important -…

You know, sometimes I think about what one simple idea can do when God gets hold of it. Take Robert Raikes – here was a newspaper publisher from Gloucester who had one of those “lightbulb moments” that revolutionized Christian education forever. But before we dive into his famous Sunday Schools, let me tell you about the man himself – his family, his struggles, and what drove him to change the world for children. The Personal Life of Robert Raikes Early Years and Family Background Robert Raikes was born on September 14, 1735, in Gloucester, England, at Ladybellegate House in Longsmith…

Introduction Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus – known simply as Tertullian – was one of the most brilliant and controversial figures in early Christianity. As a fiery lawyer-turned-theologian from North Africa, he gave us the term “Trinity,” defended the faith against heretics, and wrote with a passion that still resonates nearly 2,000 years later. However, what makes Tertullian fascinating is his complexity: he wasn’t a safe, predictable church father. Instead, he was bold, uncompromising, sometimes extreme, and eventually broke away from the mainstream church. Despite this, his influence on Christian theology remains undeniable and continues to this day. If you’ve ever…

Introduction Most people know “The 12 Days of Christmas” as a fun, repetitive carol about partridges, turtle doves, and lords a-leaping. But did you know this beloved Christmas song has deep Christian roots and was possibly used to teach biblical truths during times of persecution? The Gospel version makes the Christian symbolism explicit, turning what seems like a silly counting song into a powerful declaration of faith. Whether you’re singing this with your family, your church, or just learning it for the first time, understanding the meaning behind each gift adds rich spiritual depth to this Christmas tradition. History and…

On September 10, 2025, the unthinkable happened. Charlie Kirk, 31-year-old conservative Christian activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University. Moreover, a single shot to the neck ended the life of one of America’s most prominent Christian voices. Subsequently, the nation watched in horror as the reality sank in: persecution isn’t just “over there” anymore—it’s here, in the West, and it’s escalating. Furthermore, Kirk’s murder represents just the tip of the iceberg. Indeed, Christians across Western nations—America, UK, Europe, Canada, and Australia—face unprecedented levels of hostility, violence, and systematic persecution. Additionally, while mainstream…

Brothers and sisters, we need to talk about something the mainstream media often ignores: Christians are being persecuted worldwide at unprecedented levels. Furthermore, this isn’t just happening in far-off countries we can’t pronounce—it’s escalating rapidly across multiple continents. As I write this, believers in over 70 countries face imprisonment, torture, and death simply for following Jesus Christ. Moreover, hundreds of millions of Christians live under severe restrictions on their faith. Consequently, many worship in secret, hide their Bibles, and risk everything to gather in Jesus’ name. Now, before you think this is just another depressing news article, let me tell…