with Professor John Lennox

“This is no innocent little thing that will sit on the periphery of our experience, it’s going to influence almost everything and we need to get ready”

In this The Same Commission conversation, Professor John Lennox – mathematician, author of 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the AI Revolution, and respected Christian apologist – explores the profound ethical and spiritual challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

From the dangers of surveillance states and facial recognition to the widening gap between rich and poor, Lennox unpacks how AI is already transforming society — and why believers must respond. He challenges Christians to engage seriously with the reality of AI, the illusion of consciousness in machines, and the urgent need for hope rooted in the return of Christ.

Whether you're curious about AI's role in mission, concerned about freedom and control in a digital world, or looking for a biblical perspective on the future, this conversation will inform, equip, and inspire.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

📖 Learn more about 2084 and other works by John Lennox at: https://www.johnlennox.org/

John Lennox is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University and is an internationally renowned speaker on the interface of science, philosophy and religion. He regularly teaches at many academic institutions, is Senior Fellow with the Trinity Forum and has written a series of books exploring the relationship between science and Christianity. He is President of The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matthew Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Professor John Lennox

SOCIAL:
Facebook: @echoesinternational; @profjohnlennox
Instagram: @echoesinternational; @profjohnlennox

PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905
Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational
Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #AI #JohnLennox #ChristianityAndAI #2084 #Surveillance #Mission #ChristianEthics #ArtificialIntelligence #ChurchAndTechnology

with Professor John Lennox

“So you can say very modestly but truly that you do believe that there is a fixed point and you can witness to your faith in Christ”

Professor John Lennox joins us for the first episode of Season 4 of The Same Commission to explore how we can share our Christian faith today ‘without fear’ in this unstable world.

John Lennox engages with questions of faith and apologetics in both a dominant secular society and cross-culturally. We look at the need for Christians to pursue ‘persuasive evangelism’ and how believers can naturally witness to their faith with friends and family. Considering persecuted Christians around the world, John encourages us to remember Jesus’ promise that in whatever situation we’re placed, the Lord will give us the words to say.

Whether you're feeling unsure about how to share your new-found faith in Christ or have been on the mission field for years, this practical and engaging conversation will challenge you to have an expectant heart for opportunities to witness.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

📖 Learn more about 2084 and other works by John Lennox at: https://www.johnlennox.org/

John Lennox is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University and is an internationally renowned speaker on the interface of science, philosophy and religion. He regularly teaches at many academic institutions, is Senior Fellow with the Trinity Forum and has written a series of books exploring the relationship between science and Christianity. He is President of The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matthew Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Professor John Lennox

TAG ON SOCIAL:

Facebook: @echoesinternational; @profjohnlennox
Instagram: @echoesinternational; @profjohnlennox

PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905
Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational
Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #Fear #JohnLennox #Christianity #Witness #Evangelism #Apologetics #ChristianityandSecularism #Persecution #DefendingtheFaith #Faith #FaithNotFaith #Mission #CrossCulturalMission #PersuasiveEvangelism

With Rachael Bee, mission partner, UK (cross-cultural)

The Same Commission stays in the UK today, looking with mission partner Rachael Bee at how to ‘Welcome the Stranger’. Jim and Matt explore with Rachael how to use the opportunities that God has given us to share the gospel with refugees and asylum-seekers in this country. Listen, as Rachael shares some practical ways in which fellowships can open up and offer warm hospitality to those who have arrived in the UK, often from countries where Christianity is oppressed and believers persecuted.

Rachael Bee is a mission partner working in cross-cultural mission in the UK. Her work includes Bible teaching and support work with asylum seekers and refugees, particularly amongst people from Iran. She and her family live and serve in the Bristol area.

“Our hope and prayer constantly is that profound and transformative and life-long commitment to Jesus comes into each person, that comes through this kind of [discipleship] process” – Rachael Bee, mission partner, UK (cross-cultural)

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matt Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Rachael Bee, mission partner, UK (cross-cultural)

PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905
Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational
Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: Mission; Mission partners; Gospel; Christian; Brethren; Assemblies; Believers; Asylum; Refuge; Migrants; Immigrants; Asylum-seekers; Refugees; Migration; Immigration; Church; Fellowships; Jesus; Jesus Christ; Good news; Hospitality; Bible Studies; Middle East; Persecution; Sojourner; Stranger; Welcome; Persian; Farsi; Iranian; Resettled; Undocumented; Salvation; Stateless; Displaced;

with Jonathan Hanley, mission partner, France

As someone who has spent his life reaching out to creative communities with the gospel, mission partner Jonathan Hanley reflects on the importance of creativity in today’s episode of The Same Commission. Jim and Matt chat with Jonathan about the challenges facing people working in creative industries either receiving the gospel or, as believers, in living out their faith.

Jonathan Hanley has been serving the Lord in France for almost 30 years. With his wife Amanda, they have been involved in church-planting and discipleship training, with specific involvement in AIDS chaplaincy, Christian publishing and ministry to artists. He currently helps lead the publications department of Scripture Union in France and Jonathan has written books and published articles for a number of magazines and websites.

“As a Christian, I believe that being creative is part of the divine image that God has put in us all. You know, He made us in His image, and He is creative, so human beings end up being creative, even if they don’t give credit to the Creator” – Jonathan Hanley, mission partner, France.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matt Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Jonathan Hanley, mission partner, France.

SOCIAL:
Facebook: @echoesinternational;
Instagram: @echoesinternational;

PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905
Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational
Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: Mission; Mission partners; Gospel; Christian; Brethren; Believers; evangelism; outreach; ministry; ministries; faith; creativity; film; music; art; television; craft; design; publishing; performing; performers; music industry; books; culture; creatives; artists; creative industries; Creation; artistry; innovation; skills; talents; creative sector; theology; world view;

with Bethie Peltola, CEO, One Truth Project

On The Same Commission today, Bethie tells us about her work with the One Truth Project, as they seek to share their faith with Muslim people and respond Biblically to questions about Islam. Jim and Matt chat with Bethie about her own personal experience of friendship with people from the Muslim community and she points us towards some helpful resources for those interested in researching this topic.

Bethie Peltola is CEO of the One Truth Project as well as a writer, lecturer and consultant, helping Christians form Biblical responses to questions Muslims ask of the Christian faith, developing training courses for the Church and public short courses which respond to objections posed against Christianity. She has published a number of books for anyone who is interested in Biblical responses to Islam.

“It was the most overt I had ever been in prayer and I thought ‘Oh, I’ve learned something today’ I really do need to pray Biblically. I need to pray to not just to ‘Oh Lord’ or ‘Oh God’ because to them that could be Allah. I need to be sure I’m praying to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Many a missionary or a Christian working among Muslims can tell of these sort of stories, coming alongside Muslims and clearly speaking of the Lord ” – Bethie Peltola, CEO, One Truth Project

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matt Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Bethie Peltola, CEO, One Truth Project

SOCIAL:
Facebook: @echoesinternational; @onetruthproject
Instagram: @echoesinternational; @onetruthprojectuk
Youtube: @onetruthproject
https://www.onetruthproject.org/

BOOKS:

- Questions to Ask your Muslim friends: a closer look at Islamic beliefs and texts, Beth Peltola and Tim Dieppe
https://www.wilberforcepublications.co.uk/questions-to-ask-your-muslim-friends

- A Short guide to Islam: a Biblical response to the faith of our muslim neighbours
https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/a-short-guide-to-islam-2

PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905
Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational
Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: Mission; Mission partners; Gospel; Christian; Brethren; Believers; evangelism; outreach; ministry; ministries; Islam; muslim; witness; faith; debate; preaching; Islamic

with Mark Davies, Regional Development Director, GLO Europe

On today’s The Same Commission, the podcast turns to the topic of prayer, and specifically how to pray for mission. Mark Davies, GLO, explores with Matt and Jim why prayer is so important in our relationship with God, what he appreciates about other people’s prayers as he served in mission and how can we pray when things get difficult.

Mark Davies is the GLO Europe Regional Development Director. He and his wife Shirley now live and serve in London, based at Highgate international Church. Previously (1983-2004) they, along with their five children, lived in Zambia, engaged in Bible teaching, church planting and social care projects.

“I see prayer very much as a two-way communication – prayer and Bible reading – we say that prayer is us talking to God and Bible reading is God talking to us. I get that but actually prayer is meant to be a two-way communication, conversation with God, So if we see it from the angle ‘I’m in a relationship with God, how does that work? It works by talking – [it is like] any marriage, any relationship, if you’re not talking and listening - then prayer is vital because that’s how we talk to God and how God talks with us” – Mark Davies, Regional Development Director, GLO Europe

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matt Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Mark Davies, Regional Development Director, GLO Europe

TAG ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: @echoesinternational; @GLOEurope.org
Instagram: @echoesinternational; @glo_europe

PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905
Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational
Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: Mission; Mission partners; Gospel; Christian; Brethren; Believers; evangelism; outreach; ministry; ministries; Prayer; Pray; Praying; Faith; God; Jesus Christ; Holy Spirit; relationship; requests; support; communication; talk; talking; speaking; conversation

with Andrew Hart, CEO, PAK-7

Matt and Jim hear from Andrew Hart, of media organisation PAK-7, about the unreached people groups of the region in which he works. Andrew talks about the importance of media within mission, why it is vital for PAK-7 to use local believers’ voices and talents in the making of new programmes, and whether they face opposition as they share the good news of God’s love in Pakistan.

Andrew Hart is CEO of PAK7, which is a media initiative sharing the good news of God’s love with the people of Pakistan, reaching out to both Christian and non-Christian audiences in Pakistan, through national and Christian TV and social media.

“How do we bring faith into those situations and make it relevant for people? Well, I think local people do that, and local people know how to do that, because they live there, because that is their life. We’ve trained over the last five years since we started over one hundred young Pakistani believers and there’s some incredibly talented people there, I really love working with them, and they’ve got great ideas about how they can communicate the gospel into that culture. I just love hearing their ideas and the kind of things that they want to make programmes about because those are the kind of things that people are going to want to watch in Pakistan” – Andrew Hart, CEO, PAK-7

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matt Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Andrew Hart, CEO, PAK-7

TAG ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: @echoesinternational; @pak7tv and @ PAK7Supporters
Instagram: @echoesinternational;
https://pak7.org/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Qmt8N8BHY6_yKS1gDlWdQ
Joshua Project; https://www.joshuaproject.net/

PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905
Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational
Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: Mission; Mission partners; Gospel; Christian; Brethren; Believers; evangelism; outreach; ministry; ministries; media; channels; social media; television; TV; unreached; reach; peoples; people groups; Pakistan; South Asia; hard to reach; language; culture; local people; videos; faith; gospel; programmes; programme; strategic; documentaries; reality TV; invest; gifts; talents; entertainment; indigenous; channel; songs; lessons

with Ian Burness

Friend of the podcast and former Echoes mission partner and director Ian Burness comes back to The Same Commission studio to talk all things medicine with Matt and Jim. He shares his expertise and experiences of medical mission to discuss the place of medical mission within overall mission. Together they discuss how medics can share their faith with patients, how medical mission has changed over the years and what should be the priorities for medical mission going forward.

After studies in medicine in Aberdeen University, Ian and his wife Margaret went to Africa in 1979, where Ian ran a mission hospital on the Zambian/Angolan border and worked in local churches among the Lubale people. After returning to the UK in 1990, Ian worked with Echoes of Service, now Echoes International, where he was our General Director until 2015. He’s also published a variety of books on the history of mission.

“In Christian mission we need to say is that why we’re there to do the best we can or to serve the mission of God? And if we are serving the mission of God we’ve got to understand where Christian mission is and understand where best the health sector can work alongside coexisting missions as arms that reach out to people, to touch people’s lives, bring people, make people accessible and allow us to communicate Christ to them alongside the medical care we are giving. I have no problem with that and I think that’s a very important area” – Ian Burness

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matt Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Ian Burness

TAG ON SOCIAL:

Facebook: @echoesinternational;
Instagram: @echoesinternational;
Book by Ian Burness - Medicine in Remote Places by Ian Burness: https://www.echoesinternational.org.uk/product/medicine-in-remote-places/

PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905
Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational
Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: Mission; Mission partners; Gospel; Christian; Brethren; Believers; evangelism; outreach; ministry; ministries; medicine; medical; patients; doctors; nurses; mission stations; Africa; Angola; Zambia; India; healing; faith; health; healthcare; care; doctor; nurse; medical practitioner; patient;