• Thrive Perspectives: Biblical History
    Feb 13 2025

    God does not change, but his purposes unfold – this is what creates linear history.

    The Bible does not tell its story the way we tell history. It is theological.

    When we say that the Bible is 'theological,' we mean that it tells its story in a way that emphasises the significance of events from a religious or spiritual perspective, rather than just presenting historical facts.

    We must be cautious about defending the Bible according to modern notions of factuality. The Bible gives us facts, but it selects facts according to significance and presents a pattern of events that might clash with what a secular historian might come up with. All records of history do this.

    The Bible is true in that it highlights what is most important in history for us all.

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    54 mins
  • Thrive Perspectives: The Bible as a Story
    Jan 29 2025

    As Christians, we’ve been given the greatest story ever told and been invited to be a part of it. But is that how we view, read and apply our reading of the Bible? What difference then does it make to understand the Christian faith as a story?

    Reading the Bible as a grand narrative or ‘story’ rather than merely a system of theological ideas and values is crucial for understanding its overarching message and the continuity of God's plan throughout history.

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    49 mins
  • Thrive Perspectives: What's Your Story?
    Jan 16 2025

    Every worldview, whether religious, philosophical, or secular, is essentially a narrative or ‘story’ that people accept on faith. These stories provide a framework for understanding the world, guiding our reasoning and interpretation of life events. For example, a Christian worldview is based on the biblical story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. This story shapes how Christians understand their purpose, morality, and destiny. Similarly, a secular humanist might base their worldview on the narrative of human progress and rationality, believing in the power of science and reason to improve the human condition. These stories, although often unacknowledged, influence our values, decisions, and actions. So how do we go about authenticating the truth of a 'story' or meta-narrative? Ultimately, the authenticity of a meta-narrative can only be validated by living it out.

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    52 mins
  • Thrive Perspectives: What is faith?
    Jan 1 2025

    Faith is a profound trust and confidence in God and His promises. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, as described in Hebrews 11:1. Faith involves believing in and trusting God's character, His word, and His plan for humanity, even when circumstances are challenging or the future is uncertain. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through action and obedience to God's commands. Faith is not believing FOR SOMETHING but believing IN SOMEONE – God. We see faith exemplified by the lives of biblical figures such as Abraham, who trusted God's promise of a son despite his old age, and Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt by faith. And yet for these and many other ‘heroes’ of the faith, they did not see all that God had promised in their lifetime – yet they still trusted God and in His goodness. Faith is foundational to the Christian life. It guides and empowers us to live in accordance with God's will and to trust in His provision and salvation through Jesus Christ.

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    57 mins
  • Thrive Perspectives: The End Times
    Dec 18 2024

    Given the current state of affairs in the world, it's hard to avoid the conclusion that the Lord may be returning soon. We are surrounded by events and developments that could be interpreted as signs of the end. Across the world we see famines, earthquakes, disasters, troubles, persecutions, wars and rumors of wars as Jesus said himself in Mark 13. But has there ever been a period in the history of the world when this was not the case? Certainly the early 21st century has no monopoly on death, disaster, devastation, and terror. You don’t need to know a great deal about history to realize this. The Bible clearly instructs us to be vigilant. However, constantly looking for signs of Jesus' return can often lead to speculation and distraction. So as a Christian, how should we respond to what we see happening in the world, and what should be our focus, even if in fact these are the ‘end times?

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    54 mins
  • Thrive Perspectives: The Cost of Discipleship
    Dec 5 2024

    In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be a disciple in today's world. From the sacrifices and trials to the immense rewards and spiritual growth, we discuss the real-life implications of living out our faith. This episode challenges us to reflect on the true cost of following Jesus. Matthew 16:24.Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me". What does it look like to 'take up our cross' and 'deny ourselves'?

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    52 mins
  • Thrive Perspectives: Christian Spirituality
    Nov 20 2024

    Christian spirituality is deeply relational: Cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who invites us into a transformative journey of faith. This relationship is nurtured through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture, allowing us to grow closer to God and understand His will for our lives. But how are we going in our relationship with God? How do we experience God? Do you find it difficult to pray? Do you wonder if God even hears you? Do you feel like God is ‘out there somewhere’ but that you don’t really have a ‘relationship’ with Him? You’re not alone. In fact, this is the experience of many who commit to the way of Jesus. What does it really mean to ‘have a relationship’ with God? What are the things that get in the way of cultivating this relationship? In this episode we explore these questions and provide a perspective to encourage you on your lifelong spiritual journey.

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    54 mins
  • Thrive Perspectives: Politics Pt.2
    Nov 7 2024

    Practical application as we consider all the issues, policy and idealogy, when it comes to making a decision on not only how to vote, but how to engage in conversation around these difficult issues.. It's complex, but we must engage.

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    44 mins