Thrive: Perspectives

Throughout history, laws have shaped societies—not just in governance but in thought, ethics, and identity. One of the most influential legal codes in human history, the Mosaic Law, has often been viewed as a rigid list of rules governing every aspect of life. But is that the whole story?Could it be that the true purpose of these laws wasn’t about legalism, but about instilling a worldview? What if it was designed to cultivate a paradigm—a way of thinking—that would shape a people, a culture, and even future generations?In this episode we take a closer look at key passages, historical contexts, and real-world applications that reveal the deeper intent behind the Mosaic Law – moving beyond the letter and stepping into the spirit of the law.

If the Bible is a guide designed to help us navigate life within a values system crafted by a God who created us, loves us and only wants the best for us, then how do we seek wisdom rather than rigidly follow directives, understanding that God's principles are meant to lead us into truth and grace? We’ll discuss how, as Christians, we can speak into people's lives with love rather than judgment—focusing on lifting others up and guiding them with the value of love as our foundation. After all, the essence of Biblical ethics is not merely about rules, but about reflecting God's love and purpose in those rules, in all that we do. Join the Thrive Perspectives team as we explore how Biblical principles transcend rigid do's and don'ts, inviting us instead into a dynamic relationship with God's design for a flourishing and purpose-driven life.

So often, we open the pages of Scripture expecting a rulebook, a step-by-step manual for life. But what if that's not what it was ever meant to be? What if approaching the Bible as a list of do's and don’ts, not only misses its heart, but also disconnects us from the virtues and values it’s trying to bring to life? You see, this isn't a text about perfection or performance; it’s about intention. It’s about the heart of humanity and the values and virtues that guide us.In this episode of Thrive Perspectives, we discuss how the Bible invites us into something deeper: not just a morality of action but a transformation of the heart.

The influence of the Christian story on Western culture is profound and pervasive, even among those who reject its religious aspects. This is because the Christian story has shaped the moral and ethical framework of Western society for centuries. Concepts such as human dignity, justice, compassion, and the sanctity of life are all derived from biblical teaching. Even the very democracy we guard so tightly, is a result of the teachings and actions of the church. Even if individuals do not consciously acknowledge the biblical origins of these values, they have been ingrained in the cultural and societal norms that influence their beliefs and behaviours. Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World - Book by Tom HollandThe Triumph of Christianity: How the Jesus Movement Became the World's Largest Religion - Book by Rodney StarkInventing the Individual: The Origins of Western Liberalism - Book by Larry Siedentop

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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'?

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.

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 believe it. Seek to understand where others are coming from (especially if they don’t agree with you). “Let love be your highest goal!” (1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT) History has shown us that when the church becomes too entangled with political powerit can lead to corruption and the distortion of the gospel message. We must approach political engagement with humility and discernment, always prioritizing our allegiance to Christ above any political ideology. Strive to be a voice for the voiceless, advocate for policies that reflect our values, and approach political engagement with humility and discernment. By doing so, we can contribute to a society that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ, ultimately bringing glory to God.

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 expelled them, demonstrating His power over evil and His commitment to liberating individuals from spiritual bondage. His interactions emphasized the importance of faith, prayer, and the recognition of God's ultimate authority over all forms of evil. This narrative underscores the Christian belief in the ongoing spiritual battle and the hope of deliverance through Jesus Christ. Therefore put on the full armour of God.

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 spectrum of demonic activity and influence - from foothold to stronghold - from oppression to possession.

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 and theological context of these encounters and what they reveal about the power and authority of Jesus and our faith in Him.

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 for their sins; instead, his offence and anger is reserved for those who failed to live up to their professed righteousness. We see through the Gospels that the things that upset Jesus the most were: Hardness of heart (Mark 3:1–5) Selfish ambition (Mark 8:31–38) Spiritual arrogance (Luke 9:51–55) Self-centeredness (Matthew 23:10–12) Hypocrisy and fake religiosity (Luke 11:37–54) Before we take umbrage on behalf of God, it's wise to reflect on the numerous ways we each fall short of God's optimal plan for our lives. This introspection will help us understand and align our actions more closely with the values and teachings of Jesus, the very thing we hold sacred.

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 life on earth remains significant.

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 position. For Christianity, by contrast, the more evidence that accumulates and the more it is corroborated, the stronger the case for the pillars of the faith. As this evidence becomes more robust with each decade and with each life-saving advance, it may be increasingly difficult to escape the conclusion that some NDEs do indeed reflect reality. If so, thoughtful examination of near-death experiences will deepen, not destabilise, Christian theology.

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 tunnel, or having a life review. Some individuals report encounters with deceased loved ones or spiritual beings. Research into NDEs seeks to understand the patterns and themes of these experiences, as well as their long-lasting effects on individuals' attitudes towards life and death. How do these verifiable experiences align with what the Bible teaches and, as a Christian, how and why should we engage with this topic? Books Referenced Life After Life – Raymond Moody https://amzn.asia/d/07ANqwVR After - Bruce Greyson https://amzn.asia/d/07ANqwVR Imagine Heaven - John Burke https://amzn.asia/d/07ANqwVR Heaven is Real – Todd Burpo https://amzn.asia/d/07ANqwVR