Thrive: Perspectives

While as Christians we appreciate the potential benefits of progress, we must also hold a realistic perspective on its limitations. We know that human efforts alone cannot bring about complete restoration or utopia on earth. Instead, we look forward to the final consummation of history when Christ returns, establishing a new heaven and a new earth, where true and everlasting progress will be realized. A Christian worldview offers a nuanced understanding of the myth of human progress. Whilst we can acknowledge the value of advancements in various areas of life we must emphasise the need for moral and spiritual transformation. We must recognise the limitations of human efforts and look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of progress through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

The question of why a loving God would allow suffering and pain is a complex and deeply theological one. God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving, and he created the world to be perfect and free from suffering and death. However, when Adam and Eve sinned, they brought a curse upon the world, which resulted in disease, and other forms of suffering. Suffering and pain need not be meaningless but can be used by God for a greater purpose. The Bible teaches that suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5), and that God is able to work all things together for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28). God is present with us in our suffering and that he understands our pain because he himself suffered on the cross. Jesus Christ is described as a "man of sorrows" who was "familiar with suffering" (Isaiah 53:3), and he is able to sympathise with our weaknesses and struggles (Hebrews 4:15). The question of why a loving God would allow suffering and pain is answered by the belief that God is sovereign over all things, that he is present with us in our suffering, and that he can use our suffering for a greater purpose. We also must remember that ultimate hope and healing come through faith in Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death and offers us forgiveness and eternal life – where there will be no pain, suffering or death. The world we live in now is broken. It’s not meant to be our home. We’re not meant to like it here. This is our mission field, until God calls us into eternity with Him.

The human spiritual predicament, as understood from a biblical perspective, is the state of being separated from God due to sin. The Bible teaches that God created humans to have a personal relationship with Him, but sin entered the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve, causing a rift between God and humanity (Genesis 3). As a result, all humans are born with a sinful nature, and our thoughts, words, and actions are often motivated by self-interest and rebellion against God (Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23). This separation from God has dire consequences, including physical death and eternal separation from Him (Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:14-15). However, the Bible also teaches that God desires to restore the relationship between Himself and humanity. He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross (John 3:16, Romans 5:8), and through faith in Him, we can be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21. The human spiritual predicament, therefore, is one of being lost, in need of salvation, and unable to save ourselves. We require a divine solution to our sin problem, and this solution comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The biblical message is one of hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation, but it begins with recognizing our spiritual predicament and our need for a Savior. Books Referenced in this episode: It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Steven Pinker

Despite various perspectives, the problem of evil and suffering in the world remains a challenging and complex issue for believers. Many individuals struggle to reconcile the existence of a loving God with the reality of evil and suffering. However, some theologians argue that this tension is ultimately a reflection of the limitations of human understanding.

The god-of-the-gaps argument asserts that it is invalid to introduce God as an explanation for a scientific phenomenon that we cannot currently explain by naturalistic causes. Believers in naturalism take this a step further, and offer the god-of-the-gaps argument against any involvement of God in nature. However, the god-of-the-gaps argument is only good against a particular deistic approach to God and nature, and loses its potency when Scripture and science are pursued together. In this episode, Matt references the following: A Secular Age - Charles Taylor Francis Bacon The Waning of Materialism The Royal Institutution - Quantum Fields: The Real Building Blocks of the Universe Gerald Shcroeder - The Hidden Face of God

The reality and nature of God is a philosophical and theological topic that seeks to understand the existence and characteristics of a divine being - God. In this episode we explores and discuss the various beliefs about the nature of God, including his attributes, relationship with humanity, and role in the universe.

The question of what informs right and wrong is a complex one. There are several schools of thought on this matter, each with its own unique perspective. One common view is that right and wrong are determined by a divine being or beings, such as God. In this view, morality is based on religious beliefs and teachings, and ethical principles are seen as commands given by a higher power. Another view is that right and wrong are based on natural law or human reason. According to this perspective, certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the circumstances or cultural norms. This view holds that moral principles are objective and universal, and can be discovered through reason and reflection. Some argue that right and wrong are socially constructed, meaning that they are shaped by cultural norms and values. In this view, ethical principles are not fixed or absolute, but are rather determined by the society in which they are developed and practiced. Ultimately, the question of what informs right and wrong is a complex one that cannot be easily answered. It is shaped by our Worldview - whether we try to conform our faith within our culture or whether we see our culture as a subservient part of the much bigger divine story.

We continue our series to explore the meaning of our worldview. Your worldview can also be referred to as your philosophy, philosophy of life, mindset, outlook on life, formula for life, ideology and faith. There are a number of elements that make up each of our worldviews - our beliefs about certain aspects of reality: • epistemology: beliefs about the nature and sources of knowledge; • metaphysics: beliefs about the ultimate nature of reality; • cosmology: beliefs about the origins and nature of the universe, life, and especially humankind; • teleology: beliefs about the meaning and purpose of the universe, its inanimate elements, and its inhabitants; • theology: beliefs about the existence and nature of God; • anthropology: beliefs about the nature and purpose of humankind in general and, ourselves in particular; • axiology: beliefs about the nature of value, what is good and bad, what is right and wrong. In this 5th episode, Matt, Conal and Stuart, dig deeper into what it means to be 'holy' and 'set apart'. We land with some very practical applications for us to start to re-orient our lives as we elevate our thinking into the ‘sacred’. You can view our brief explainer video HERE https://youtu.be/BLy01RL8wXA.

We continue our series to explore the meaning of our worldview. Your worldview can also be referred to as your philosophy, philosophy of life, mindset, outlook on life, formula for life, ideology and faith. There are a number of elements that make up each of our worldviews - our beliefs about certain aspects of reality: • epistemology: beliefs about the nature and sources of knowledge; • metaphysics: beliefs about the ultimate nature of reality; • cosmology: beliefs about the origins and nature of the universe, life, and especially humankind; • teleology: beliefs about the meaning and purpose of the universe, its inanimate elements, and its inhabitants; • theology: beliefs about the existence and nature of God; • anthropology: beliefs about the nature and purpose of humankind in general and, ourselves in particular; • axiology: beliefs about the nature of value, what is good and bad, what is right and wrong. In this 4th episode, Matt, Conal and Stuart, dig deeper into the dual axis worldview, specifically around how we can increase our awareness and sensitivity to the sacred. We land with some very practical applications for us to start to re-orient our lives as we elevate our thinking into the ‘sacred’. You can view our brief explainer video HERE https://youtu.be/BLy01RL8wXA. Referenced by Matt in this Episode: Tom Holland - Dominion

Over the coming series of episodes of Perspectives we're going to continue to explore the meaning of our worldview. A worldview is the set of beliefs about fundamental aspects of reality that ground and influence all our perceptions, thinking, knowing, and doing. Your worldview can also be referred to as your philosophy, philosophy of life, mindset, outlook on life, formula for life, ideology and faith. There are a number of elements that make up each of our worldviews - our beliefs about certain aspects of reality: • epistemology: beliefs about the nature and sources of knowledge; • metaphysics: beliefs about the ultimate nature of reality; • cosmology: beliefs about the origins and nature of the universe, life, and especially humankind; • teleology: beliefs about the meaning and purpose of the universe, its inanimate elements, and its inhabitants; • theology: beliefs about the existence and nature of God; • anthropology: beliefs about the nature and purpose of humankind in general and, ourselves in particular; • axiology: beliefs about the nature of value, what is good and bad, what is right and wrong. In this 3rd episode, Matt, Conal and Stuart, dig deeper into the dual axis worldview, specifically around Pain and then land with some very practical application for us to start to re-orient our lives as we elevate our thinking into the ‘sacred’. You can view our brief explainer video HERE https://youtu.be/BLy01RL8wXA.

Over the coming series of episodes of Perspectives we're going to continue to explore the meaning of our worldview. A worldview is the set of beliefs about fundamental aspects of reality that ground and influence all our perceptions, thinking, knowing, and doing. Your worldview can also be referred to as your philosophy, philosophy of life, mindset, outlook on life, formula for life, ideology and faith. There are a number of elements that make up each of our worldviews - our beliefs about certain aspects of reality: • epistemology: beliefs about the nature and sources of knowledge; • metaphysics: beliefs about the ultimate nature of reality; • cosmology: beliefs about the origins and nature of the universe, life, and especially humankind; • teleology: beliefs about the meaning and purpose of the universe, its inanimate elements, and its inhabitants; • theology: beliefs about the existence and nature of God; • anthropology: beliefs about the nature and purpose of humankind in general and, ourselves in particular; • axiology: beliefs about the nature of value, what is good and bad, what is right and wrong. In this 2nd episode, Matt, Conal and Stuart, dig deeper into the dual axis worldview and then land with some very practical application for us to start to re-orient our lives as we elevate our thinking into the ‘sacred’. You can view our brief explainer video HERE https://youtu.be/BLy01RL8wXA.

Over the next series of episodes of Perspectives we’re going to explore the meaning of our worldview and the aspects of a Christian worldview. A worldview is the set of beliefs about fundamental aspects of reality that ground and influence all our perceptions, thinking, knowing, and doing. Your worldview can also be referred to as your philosophy, philosophy of life, mindset, outlook on life, formula for life, ideology and faith. There are a number of elements that make up each of our worldviews - our beliefs about certain aspects of reality: • epistemology: beliefs about the nature and sources of knowledge; • metaphysics: beliefs about the ultimate nature of reality; • cosmology: beliefs about the origins and nature of the universe, life, and especially humankind; • teleology: beliefs about the meaning and purpose of the universe, its inanimate elements, and its inhabitants; • theology: beliefs about the existence and nature of God; • anthropology: beliefs about the nature and purpose of humankind in general and, ourselves in particular; • axiology: beliefs about the nature of value, what is good and bad, what is right and wrong. In this first episode, Matt, Conal and Stuart, refer to a dual axis worldview. To help you understand you might like to draw a large + sign on a piece of paper. We will then be speaking to the horizontal axis and the vertical axis You can view our brief explainer video HERE https://youtu.be/BLy01RL8wXA.

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OUR BEST EVER LISTENER SPECIAL OFFER!!! The Complete C S Lewis Signature Classics (7 Volume Set) – SORRY ONLY AVAILABLE TO SHIP WITHIN AUSTRALIA - A beautiful compilation of inspirational writings, featuring seven classic works in one box set. The box set includes: ‘Mere Christianity’ ‘The Screwtape Letters’ ‘Surprised by Joy’ ‘The Four Loves’ ‘The Problem of Pain’ ‘The Great Divorce’ ‘Miracles’ Just click here. Thank you to Richard J.from the Sunshine Coast Australia for the question! We tried something very different for this episode. Matthew came in pretty "cold" to the recording and DJ just threw one of YOUR great questions to him! Discussion ensues! Remember we cannot keep making these podcasts without your generous support! 1} Pray! Pray for God's blessing and direction. 2} Share! Please share your favourite episodes with someone who would be encouraged. 3} Give! Head over to our SUPPORT page and become a monthly supporter Along with helping us keep your favourite podcasts "on the air" you will also be invited to our exclusive private Facebook Supporters Group. You can bookmark, like and follow THRIVE online on: Our home on the internet: www.ThriveToday.tv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveTodayPage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivetoday.tv/

We have a very special offer: "A Praying Life" the book. – Exclusive Thrive Today Offer https://5iveonline.com/product/praying-life-exclusive-thrive-today-offer/ We strat with a great question from Anna - "Are we in the END TIMES?" Matthew mentions a book: "Immoderate Greatness: Why Civilizations Fail" by William Ophuls at 27:30 into the podcast we get "What three books do you take on the deserted island" from Berni. Matthew's books: “The Imitation of Christ,” by Thomas à Kempis "The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan Matt mentions two Leo Tolstoy books: Resurrection & The Death of Ivan Ilyich. He also says do not get "Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments" by Søren Kierkegaard. Matthew & DJ agree on Mere Christianity by CS Lewis. DJ's books: The complete Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. But also "The Cosmic Trilogy" & "Till We Have Faces" by CS Lewis at 39:00 we have a question from Marz: "Who's ministry would you like to be a part of?" DJ mentions The Inklings of Oxford. Matt goes back to the dark ages https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hildegard_of_Bingen. at 46:18 Tom asks about the faith of Hanna in 1st Samuel. at 50:44 Chris asks about conspiracy theories.... at 57:30 DJ asks his own question about marriage in heaven... at 1:05:15 Drew asks about some musical suggestions. Matthew's musical pick Arvo Pärt - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arvo_P%C3%A4rt DJ's extended musical pick - http://johnvandeusen.com/ Our home on the internet: www.ThriveToday.tv

On this very special (short!) episode of THRIVE PERSPECTIVES Matthew and DJ look back at the library of Thrive: Perspective episodes they have recorded since February 14th 2020.... You can find all the past episodes fro free in your podcast player or on our website here. From now on Thrive Perspectives will be released every 4 weeks - our next release: Episode 44, will be on Friday 22nd October 2021. Stuart Duncan's highlight moment comes from the 27th episode "New Atheism" from February 12th 2021. Matthew Jacoby's standout moment comes from the 3rd episode "How We Know" from March 13th 2020. DJ Paine's "penny drop" moment comes from the two part episode "Death and Immortality" with special guest Dr Clay Jones from September 2020. Part 1 here. Part 2 is here. Other episodes we highly recommend you go back and listen to again are: {in epsiode release order} Episode 5 - Our Media Diet Episode 15 - The Big Picture Episode 25 - Matthew Jacoby's 2020 Epside 26 - DJ Paine's 2020 Episode 32 - Islam & Christianity with Dr Bernie Power Episode 40 - Who Rules The World?

Some background for this episode: Listen to the previous Perspectives episodes: Spiritual Beings Part 1. Spiritual Beings Part 2. The Big Picture Who rules the world? "2 Corinthians 10:3-5 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

We cannot keep making these podcasts without your generous support! 1} Pray! Pray for God's blessing and direction. 2} Share! Please share your favourite episodes with someone who would be encouraged. 3} Give! Head over to our SUPPORT page and become a monthly supporter Along with helping us keep your favourite podcasts "on the air" you will also be invited to our exclusive private Facebook Supporters Group. You can bookmark, like and follow THRIVE online on: Our home on the internet: www.ThriveToday.tv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveTodayPage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivetoday.tv/

Big news and big changes coming to the TRHIVE world... Matt and DJ touch on those changes at the top of the show. Plus there is a new LISTENERS SPECIAL OFFER! An incredible 50% off the empowering "Deeper Places Video Series" with the use of the coupon code "thrive" at check out - you can order that series online here. Remember we cannot keep making these podcasts without your generous support! 1} Pray! Pray for God's blessing and direction. 2} Share! Please share your favourite episodes with someone who would be encouraged. 3} Give! Head over to our SUPPORT page and become a monthly supporter Along with helping us keep your favourite podcasts "on the air" you will also be invited to our exclusive private Facebook Supporters Group. You can bookmark, like and follow THRIVE online on: Our home on the internet: www.ThriveToday.tv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveTodayPage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivetoday.tv/

Remember we cannot keep making these podcasts without your generous support! 1} Pray! Pray for God's blessing and direction. 2} Share! Please share your favourite episodes with someone who would be encouraged. 3} Give! Head over to our SUPPORT page and become a monthly supporter Along with helping us keep your favourite podcasts "on the air" you will also be invited to our exclusive private Facebook Supporters Group. You can bookmark, like and follow THRIVE online on: Our home on the internet: www.ThriveToday.tv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveTodayPage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivetoday.tv/ Matthew chapter 5 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Luke chapter 14 34 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? 35 Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!” Mark chapter 9 49 “For everyone will be tested with fire. 50 Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.” Colossians chapter 4 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.