Thoughts & Comments Podcast

Ron and Nan Deal are on a mission to uplift marriages and families.  They caught up with Andrew Urquhart just ahead of their New Zealand speaking tour with Family Life. Learn about their ministry and a life of faith through the devastating heartbreak of losing a son. 

(www.familylife.nz | www.rondeal.org) 

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How different is the Church from its New Testament origins, and is it on-track with the mission Christ entrusted?  Comparing modern church structure & dynamics, Andrew's guests reflect on what we can learn from the early church, the importance of Christian unity, and the responsibility that comes with the Holy Spirits gifts.  With Prof. Paul Trebilco, Rev. Dr Stuart Lange, and Dr Christa McKirland.

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In this feature interview, Andrew Urquhart and his guest Paul Ninnes (stouthearted.com) discuss antidotes to the corrosive sin of adultery. Discover the Jesus-centred movement to disciple courageous men of sexual integrity.

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(M - topics for mature audiences, addresses pornography & suicide)

Andrew Urquhart's guests tackle a delicate topic: the devastating effects of pornography and how to break free. They consider the importance of going beyond the shame barrier to support addicts and families with truth and grace; and holding ourselves accountable with good online habits and cyber-safety awareness.  With Paul van der Mespel, John Peachey and Justin Smith.

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The humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza weighs heavily on the hearts of many. It is one of the most discussed and divisive issues amongst Christians seeking God's will for His Holy Land. This show has presented a range of geopolitical and Biblical views to encourage deeper understanding of a uniquely complex situation.  And now, host Andrew Urquhart welcomes an Israeli perspective.

Israel's Ambassador to New Zealand is today's special guest.  Andrew Urquhart invited His Excellency Mr Alon Roth-Snir to address the apparent impasse between Israel and Hamas-controlled Gaza; its impact on international relations; dynamics and public perception within Israel; and his hopes for a lasting peace in the Middle East.

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Attention is the new currency in a media-saturated world, and staring through the looking glass it's hard to tell if we're facing a utopian or dystopian future.

In today's episode, researcher Thomas Scrimgeour from thinktank Maxim Institute suggests that the tech revolution has reached its next stage and New Zealand is well positioned to benefit from an AI-driven economy. 

Theology professor at the University of Otago Andrew Shepherd says we have shifted from gears from a materialist economy to an 'attention economy' - where consumers have now become both the producers and the products for sale. 

And media chaplain Rev. Frank Ritchie observes people are becoming overstimulated yet finding it difficult to disengage from digital media – losing genuine human connection o the point of diluting devotional time.  

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There are many things in our society that cause us anxiety and stress, and most of them we can’t do anything about.  Perhaps the uncertainty of a changing environment is adding to our tension, but while we can’t change the weather or control the economy, we can choose how we respond to stressors.  

Today John Cowan talks about Seasonal Affective Disorder and some effective strategies to tackle the winter blues.  

Lauren Parsons looks at change in the workplace and gives some tips on how to front-foot some of the challenges.  

Finally Brook Turner examines what it means to have a 'poverty of spirit' - how we can best respond to that in ourselves and others - and why Jesus considers such people blessed!   

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Christianity as a living faith tends to mean wearing our heart and spirit on our sleeves... then rolling up said sleeves and getting to work – in whatever our sphere of influence.  But when it comes to faith and politics, does "separation of religion and state" actually mean to keep God out of governance? 

Brendan Malone discusses the irony of Deputy PM David Seymour's latest injunction for church leaders to refrain from sermonising on social justice issues like Maori Wards and 'get back to God'; 

Tash McGill analyses President Trump's remark about a 'stairway to heaven' and his dogged attempts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting Nobel Peace Prize glory is the likeliest of motivators; 

And former MP Tanya Unkovich reflects on a lost opportunity for our political leaders to demonstrate humility, good faith and public accountability in the Covid-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry. 

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In this episode we focus on freedom - an important value in our society, but perhaps something that means different things to different people. 

Rev. Matt Maslin looks at what freedom means in a spiritual context, in contrast to the way freedom is valued in the western world.  

Dr Craig Heilmann comments on a recent case in Australia where political freedom and even freedom of thought is being called into question.  

First up Nick Hanne from the Free Speech Union explores how freedoms in media and politics may be eroded by foreign powers with different concepts of freedom.

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Andrew Urquhart and guests look at the impact of war - in Gaza and in Ukraine.  There are moves to negotiate a peace deal in both conflicts, and while the challenges are significant, the cost of human suffering is unacceptable.

John Peachey explores some of the complex causal factors in the Ukrainian conflict; and why US President Trump may succeed where the UN and NATO have failed.

Barry Raeburn shares how Mission Without Borders is ready to help with restoring Ukraine if a deal can be reached.

And Professor Robert Patman explains the challenges of a two-state solution for Israel and a Palestinian state, when both parties refuse to recognise each other's right to exist.

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