Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have no Bible? Nothing but public opinion to guide us - tell us what to do and what not to do. No higher authority than our own ideas, our own self-made religion. Some have said the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends. They think we're better off without it. Would we? Did you know France tried it once – for three and a half years?

At 1:30am, August 24, 1572, a bell began to ring in the Cathedral tower of St. Germain l'Auxerrois. The tolling bell sent a signal throughout the city – death to all Bible-believing Christians. It was one of the most horrifying massacres in European history. Thousands of Bible-believing Christians were slaughtered in the streets of Paris, and their bodies were thrown into the Seine. Up to 70,000 people were massacred. Their only crime? They read, believed and practised what the Bible says. It was during this dangerous time that Marie Durand was born in the small village of Bouschet de Pranles.

The Bible is, perhaps, the most controversial book ever written. Never has a book been so loved by so many. And never has a book been so hated. It has made enemies out of friends. It's divided homes. It's been argued, debated, challenged, and attacked. But millions have died for it! Suffered imprisonment for it, refused to betray it or live without it.

It was called the war to end all wars. World War I, also known as the Great War, started in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. His murder fuelled the rising tensions between many nations of Europe and catapulted them into war.

The war began in August with great enthusiasm on all sides. Young men rushed to enlist, convinced they would be home by Christmas. But by December, the initial hopes for a quick victory had faded, replaced by the grim reality of trench warfare.

As the cold winter of 1914 settled over the Western Front and Christmas approached, the mood on both sides was sombre. Many soldiers were experiencing their first Christmas away from home, and the contrast between the season's message of peace and goodwill and the daily reality of war and death was stark.

But few could have imagined the scene that would unfold on Christmas Day 1914. Join me as we visit the trenches on the Western Front and investigate the day the guns fell silent.

Music touches the soul, and one of the most famous musicians of all time was George Frideric Handel. He was a prolific writer of operas and oratorios. Handel’s Zadok the Priest has been performed at every British coronation since 1727. His orchestral works Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks are also incredibly popular and are often performed at the BBC Proms. But he is probably most famous for his Messiah, an oratorio that is staged all around the world during the Christmas season. The stirring music causes people to leap to their feet, inspired by the magnificent words and harmonies. Join Gary Kent as we find out more about George Frideric Handel and his music, which has changed the world.

Have you ever wondered if anyone looks up to you? And if they do, what lessons or values can they learn from your life? The All Blacks New Zealand rugby team has created an incredible legacy that their nation looks up to and is proud of. Their determination, strength and unity as a team have led to innumerable victories and worldwide acclaim. The All Blacks can teach us what it means to be great, to pursue and work hard for your goals and to develop a reputation that matters and brings meaning to the people around you.

Evelyn Marsden, the only Australian female survivor of the Titanic, was a dedicated nurse with a passion for adventure. After starting her career at Adelaide Hospital in 1907, she pursued her dream of exploring the world as a ship’s stewardess, traveling to Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean. On one voyage, Evelyn met Dr. William James, a White Star Line physician. The two quickly bonded and were thrilled to be assigned to the RMS Titanic in 1912. However, a last-minute roster change removed Dr. James from the ship—a twist of fate that saved his life.

Discover the story of Evelyn, a survivor, adventurer, and part of a love story shaped by history’s most infamous voyage.

This program tells the lesser-known story of Corporal Leslie ‘Bull’ Allen, raised in an orphanage in Ballarat located in regional Victoria. He became a courageous and complex war hero. In World War II, ‘Bull’ Allen was a stretcher bearer in the Australian Army. His photo was famously captured during the battle of Mt Tambu, New Guinea, where Bull repeatedly ran into heavy enemy fire to carry out more than a dozen wounded men. His bravery made him a decorated war hero, and his image still hangs proudly in the Australian War Memorial. Bull’s story displays immense heroism and shows the devastating and long-lasting effects war can have on humans. A lot can be learned from this inspiring war hero, both during his time at war and especially after.

In 2025 The Incredible Journey will be re-enacting another incredible journey undertaken 100 years before by young Nevill Westwood, who accidentally achieved the record of being the first person to drive right around Australia.

Nevill's experience during his right around Australia journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Nevill along with friend Greg Davies were able to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Australia, from its stunning coastlines to its breathtaking outback. Along the way, they encountered friendly locals, experienced the helpful spirit of the people that made their journey truly memorable.

Here is PART TWELVE of his exciting story: Helping with ‘The Appeal’

There’s probably not one single sporting event anywhere in the world that captures a whole nation like this one. On the first Tuesday in November every year in Melbourne, the best horses in the world gather to run the 3200m or 2 miles to win the coveted prize – The Melbourne Cup.

It’s the richest two-mile race in the world. But it’s not just a horse race; it’s one of the greatest fashion events on the calendar. It is associated with the arrival of spring, and over 100,000 people are drawn to the carnival atmosphere of high fashion, glamour, garden parties, and the races.

Join Gary Kent at the Flemington Racecourse and learn about one of the oldest and richest handicap races in horse racing, which captures the heart of the nation. We will also discover that each of us is caught up in a race, the race of life.