Thoughts & Comments Podcast

There are different stages of Life, and each one brings a series of blessing and challenges. For those who are currently dealing with being parents to teenagers or young adults, the difficulties may seem to outweigh the blessings.

Kristin Ward from the Parenting Place gives some advice and practical tips on how to stay connected with grumpy teens, how to lean in when they are pulling back.

Finding work is particularly challenging at the moment, especially for young people that lack work experience. Tom ONeil has some more practical advice on how to support and encourage our kids as they look for work.

Learning and growing isn’t just for the young. Dr Myk Habets from Laidlaw College encourages us to be lifelong learners, not just spiritually but also engaging our brains on a variety of current issues.

As always, we’d love to get your thoughts & comments on any of these issues.

Text 8168 - start with the keyword “comments” or check out the website - www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz

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In this episode,  Davina West (The Producer of the Thoughts & Comments Programme) has a frank and fascinating conversation with Canadian Christian Apologist Wes Huff, who was in New Zealand recently as a guest of Thinking Matters. www.thinkingmatters.org.nz

Wes shares his testimony of miraculous healing when he was a young boy, as well as what motivates and inspires him in his ministry. This is a compelling conversation with one of the sharpest minds in Christian Apologetics, who uses grace and intellect to present the reasons for the Hope that he has in Jesus with gentleness and respect.

As always, we’d love  to get your thoughts & comments on any of these issues.

Text 8168 - start with the keyword “comments” or check out the website - www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz

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In this episode we focus in on attempts to regulate new technology, both in the areas of reproduction and communication. However it seems unlikely that legislation will ever keep up with technology. 

The UN is proposing to ban Surrogacy, which does have risk and is open to exploitation, but also provides a last Hope for some who struggle with fertility.  

The BSA has moved to control the content of unlicensed internet broadcasters, a move which Simon O’Connor describes as a power grab and regulatory overreach. 

Justin Smith unpacks changes emerging with Podcasting and the increasing influence of these prophets of the attention economy.  

As always, we’d love  to get your thoughts & comments on any of these issues.

Text 8168 - start with the keyword “comments” or check out the website - www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz

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In this episode we examine some new ways of doing things in the Church.  Are there still barriers to belonging for those who have a negative view of the Church? And are there barriers to unity within the church because of strongly held doctrinal views? 

Later in the episode Public Theologian Dr Craig Heilmann explores the rift that appointing a women as new Archbishop of Canterbury has caused within the global Anglican communion.  

Dunedin Bishop Anne van Gent unpacks her journey towards a calling to ministry, and present a case for a more inclusive and diverse church community. 

But first up Jason Perkins from the irresistible church movement present a new way of structuring church culture and practice for the benefit of non-members, and how this changes the focus of the leadership and congregation. 

Love to get your thoughts & comments on any of these issues, text 8168 - start with the keyword “comments” or check out the website - www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz

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In this episode we look to the future, is there any hope on the horizon, either economically or politically. If things aren’t the way that we want them to be can we rely on the politicians to clean up the mess or should we take more personal responsibility, both fiscally and socially.

Grant Marshall from Christian Savings looks at ways we can invest and prepare for our retirement, other than just investing in property, or expect the govt. to fund it.

John Peachey warns that the cupboards are bare when it comes to the government being able to provide basic services, including superannuation, in the years ahead.

Dr Bryce Edwards examine the plight of TPM, who promised a revolution to achieve equitable outcome for Maori, but are now mired with their own internal revolt.

Love to get your thoughts & comments on any of these issues, text 8168 - start with the keyword “comments” or check out the website - www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz

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 With the Israeli Hostages released and the ceasefire holding so far reasons of celebration in Gaza, Israel and around the world. In this episode we get a range of different perspectives on these historic events. 

While acknowledging Trumps role in the process Rev. Frank Ritchie ponders whether we can also make peace with those who have different views on this contentious topic.

Geopolitical Commentator Geoffrey Miller examines what the conditions for last peace look like. 

Tash McGill contrasts Trump the Peacemaker of Gaza with some concerning developments back home in America. 

Love to get your feedback, your Thoughts & Comments… text 8168 start with the first word comments. 

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Is it "power to the people" when the majority stay silent? Check in for incisive commentary on New Zealand current affairs - from post-election analysis, to the social harm implications of BNPL liquor sales, and moves to decriminalise illicit drugs. With guests from the Maxim Institute, Family First NZ, and the Salvation Army's Social Policy & Parliamentary Unit. 

Family First founding director Bob McCoskrie refutes the Drug Foundation's assertion that legalising drugs would have a better outcome than a punitive 'war on drugs' approach;

Ana Ika from the Salvation Army's Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit warns against the credit trap posed by buy-now-pay-later options for vulnerable customers with an alcohol problem;

And the Maxim Institute's Maryanne Spurdle challenges Kiwis' orientation towards global politics while ambivalent about local democracy as evidenced in this year's elections.

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'.

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As Israeli hostages are finally released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, discover a Gazan minister-in-exile's testimony of faith through persecution.

Pastor Hanna reveals what life has been like for Christian communities long before Gaza once again became the volatile epicentre of Middle East tension. Hear his testimony, share his hopes, join him in prayer. (Christian Mission to Gaza | Helping Perscuted Christians)

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'.

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MATURE TOPICS, DISCRETION ADVISED.

Discover Jeff Johnston's personal story of hope in his journey through same-sex attraction, to finding God's grace, his true identity in Christ, and the love of his life. The Focus on the Family issues analyst shares powerful advice for church groups and families on how to engage with this issue, and accompany loved ones with truth and grace. (focusonthefamily.com) 

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'.

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Today we take a look at our place in the Great Commission - from the first recorded Maori baptism in Aotearoa, to New Zealand's evolution as a welfare state and the modern practice of ethical investment.  With Rev. Dr Malcolm Falloon, Dave Mann (alltogether.nz) and Andy Milne (christiansavings.co.nz). 

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'. 

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