Thrive: Perspectives

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.

The church must set the example of unity, respect, and love. Our witness to the gospel depends on it. Our spiritual enemy knows that if he can divide and distract us with bitter conflict over matters like politics, he can hinder our mission to share the gospel. Conversely, if we demonstrate Christian unity, he knows our testimony will be difficult to refute. Know what you believe and why you belie...

Demons represent the forces of evil that oppose God’s goodness and seek to lead people astray. They are often seen as fallen angels who rebelled against God. The Bible portrays a spectrum of demonic influence, from subtle temptations (footholds that can then become strongholds) to overt possession. Jesus' approach to demons was marked by authority and compassion. He consistently confronted and exp...

Welcome to this secound episode in a series, where we continue to delve into the enigmatic realm of demons and the demonic as seen in the Bible. We review the numerous accounts of Jesus confronting and casting out demons, shedding light on the spiritual battles detailed in the New Testament and also how these originated and are seen in the Old Testament. In this episode we begin to look at the spe...

Welcome to this first episode in a series, where we will delve into the enigmatic realm of demons and the demonic as seen in the Bible. We'll explore the numerous accounts of Jesus confronting and casting out demons, shedding light on the spiritual battles detailed in the New Testament and also how these originated and are seen in the Old Testament. Join us as we seek to understand the historical...

The desire to safeguard what one holds dear is a natural human instinct. It is a human impulse to want to protect what’s sacred to you. Christians will encounter ridicule and persecution; Jesus told us as much. While it's valid to feel offended by mockery, it's important to be cautious before claiming to represent divine offence. The Gospels do not depict Jesus as angry or offended towards sinners...

The question of the purpose of life on earth in light of Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) is indeed profound and thought-provoking. From a Christian perspective, NDEs are seen as affirming several key theological concepts, such as the survival of consciousness after physical death, the existence of a supernatural realm, and the presence of a supreme being of unfathomable love. However, the purpose of...

For both Christianity and atheism, with the growing verifiable data gathered from millions of 'near death experiences' (NDE) something fundamental and non-negotiable appears to be at stake. Yet only atheism need fear NDEs. The more evidence that accumulates and the more it is corroborated, the stronger the case that human consciousness survives bodily death, permanently weakening the atheistic pos...

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profound experiences that occur to people who are on the brink of death or who have suffered a severe trauma where death is imminent. In many cases, these people are pronounced dead. These experiences often involve a variety of sensory and emotional elements, such as seeing a bright light, feeling a sense of peace and detachment from the body, moving through a tun...

Though Christian faith and doctrine often transcend our finite human comprehension, they are not irrational or void of any ‘reason’. Faith provides the foundation for belief, while reason offers a tool for understanding and articulating that belief. Faith is foundational to reason and reason can serve to confirm faith – but faith can not be gained through 'reason'. The tension between faith and re...

There are things that everyone knows about God. These things can be known through 'general revelation' things that everyone can see, feel and experience and do not rely on 'special revelation' such as the Bible. The reality of how we all live and experience our lives reveals God, if we only choose to notice.

If we are to open our minds and hearts to the mystery, awe and wonder of God, how can we know that the path we are on is the 'true' path? How can we discern the truth - not just 'our' truth? More importantly, what is the 'truth' pointing to?

When it comes to knowing, our culture holds us to the “defective default,” a mode of thinking that treats knowledge simply as information. This default mode excludes most of the ways we know in our day-to-day lives. Think about all the important things you know – say about how you feel about your family or loved ones. This knowledge doesn’t come from ‘data’ or ‘information’ but from experience and...

As we delve deeper into our discussion, we explore the intricate interplay between the brain's hemispheres and their profound impact on our existence. The symbiotic relationship between the methodical, logical left hemisphere and the holistic, intuitive right hemisphere informs our perceptions, influences culture, and deepens spiritual consciousness. The predominance of 'left-brain' oriented think...

Renowned psychiatrist, neurologist and philosopher Iain McGilchrist 's exploration of the left and right hemispheres of the brain, argues that the left hemisphere tends to reduce the idea of the divine into a rational, abstract concept, often associated with rules, doctrines, and dogmas. This reductionist view can lead to a mechanistic understanding of the divine, devoid of the richness and depth...

By prioritizing face-to-face interaction, promoting authenticity and vulnerability, encouraging mindful use of technology, implementing community building initiatives, cultivating empathy and compassion, and embracing diversity and inclusion, the church can be a powerful antidote to the growing global social isolation. Rather than instrumentalising relationships or taking the easy option of engagi...

The way God wants us to live is perhaps never been more polarised against where the world is heading. That distinction is our opportunity, the opportunity for the church, to be the light on the hill. Maybe it’s never been as great as it is now.

Amidst the celebration of digital connectivity, concerns about its unintended consequences have emerged and are increasingly acknowledged. We’ve seen a significant rise in social isolation stemming from excessive screen time and reliance on virtual interactions. Research indicates that despite the illusion of constant connection afforded by social media, rates of loneliness and feelings of disconn...

In an era where technology permeates every aspect of daily life, the discussion around its impact on human relationships and social isolation has become increasingly pertinent. At the heart of this debate lies a paradox: while we are more connected than ever through digital means, many argue that we are simultaneously more disconnected on a personal level. There are undeniable benefits that techno...

The rate of change in society driven by numerous technology factors is significant. With the proliferation of AI converging with other technological advances such as genetic engineering and quantum computing, the speed of change we will see over the next decade is of the scale that most of us won’t comprehend. Although there are plenty of reasons to be fearful as the world changes so radically, ou...

How can Christians respond to questions about the historical accuracy and reliability of the Bible in an age of skepticism and scientific discovery? It's probably no surprise that the Bible is the most popular book of all time, with at least 100 million Bibles being sold or gifted every single year. Join us for a great discussion where we are reminded about what the Bible is and is not and how, as...

Confidence in Convictions, Humility in Delivery Balancing confidence and humility is indeed a challenge, but it's a key aspect of embodying the paradoxical mindset seen in early Christianity. Seek Understanding Before Being Understood: Approach conversations with a genuine desire to understand others' perspectives. This shows humility and respect, even if you maintain confidence in your own belief...

In this episode of Thrive Perspectives we delve into the realm of defending and understanding our faith without losing the essence of belief. In a world often consumed by the demand for empirical evidence, join us as we discuss the importance of apologetics— not as a quest for tangible proof but as a guide to a deeper connection with the divine. We seek to unravel the threads of apologetics, revea...

Explaining or even trying to understand God and spiritual mysteries or experiences through language faces inherent limitations due to the nature of both language and spirituality. Language is a ‘closed system’ and faith, spirituality and the mystery of God is an ‘open system’. Language is bound by the constraints of time and space, whereas faith and spiritual experiences involve a sense of timeles...

How do we ensure that we prioritise unity within the church in a culture where people have such strong opinions? Focus on Core Beliefs By focusing on shared beliefs in the core teachings of Christianity, we can find common ground despite differences in peripheral opinions. Biblical Principles Reflect on passages that emphasise love, humility, and forgiveness as principles to guide interactions wit...