Two or Three Gathered

Two or Three Gathered

By Jared Grant, Caleb Zwaadjik & Christine WeltenReligion & Spirituality
Download on the App Store

Two or Three Gathered episodes

  • Ep#034 - Crazy Theories about Jesus Pt 2

    Kia Ora 2's and 3's, 

    In this 2nd Podcast, Caleb and I discuss some further postulations concerning Jesus and other worldviews, including: 

    • - Jesus and the conspiracy to omit reincarnation from Christian belief 
    • - "The infamous Jesus Seminar," and its spurious claims 
    • - Jesus didn't exist: A Roman empire innovation to promote peace 
    • - Jesus as depicted by Mormonism 
    • - Jesus as depicted by Islam 

      • While not exhaustive, we believe we present enough information in this two casts to encourage critical review of the alternative presentations of Jesus bar Joseph of Nazareth. Bottom line? Christianity just presents Him better! As always, we hope the sources linked help you continue on your journey towards the answers for yourself.  

      In Christ's love, C. T. J. & C

      ____________________________________________________________

      Coming up: 

      • Former CEO of the Warehouse Group and Carey Bap Col Professor in Apologetics 

      • 2 part Testimony with our new co-Host Tony Jee 

      • A 2 part discussion on Sex: Before/During/After Marriage done Biblically 

      • We also look to have Caleb join us again for a fun one: Movies that Messed us up Pt 2 

      • And the trial of our first Live Christian Pop Commentary Cast... 

      ____________________________________________________________

      • NT Wright – “What is God’s Future for the World?” Forum at Fuller Theological Seminary, 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWNKp3jYyRo 
      • “Surprised By Hope: Re-Thinking Heaven, Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church” - https://www.koorong.com/product/surprised-by-hope-re-thinking-heaven-resurrection-and_9780281064779 
      • “The Jesus Quest – The Third Search for the Jew of Nazareth” – Ben Witherington: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/review/the-jesus-quest-the-third-search-for-the-jew-of-nazareth/ 
      • “How seriously do scholars take the Jesus Seminar?” Q & A for W.L. Craig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLKCvcg6M_4 
      • Capturing Christianity (Cameron Bertuzzi) interviews Dr. Gary Habermas: “New Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus:” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMx1OikHC8U  
      • Post Apostolic Church – “Why Study the Pre-Nicene Christian Writings?” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJA-wIRctmE&t=222s 
      • “The Case against the Case for Christ – A New Testament Scholar refutes the Reverend Lee Strobel-  Robert M. Price” - https://www.amazon.com.au/Case-Against-Christ-Testament-Reverend/dp/1578840058 
      • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – The Gospel Topics Essays: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/essays?lang=eng 
      • Searching “David Wood, Islam” will yield a plethora of Apologetic sources discussing Islam: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=David+Wood%2C+Islam 
      • But we also recommend two additional sources here: David Wood’s Acts 17 Apologetics (Reuploaded given the Channel’s recent deletion): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiRDwbFY56nJ5INZG_vXNlA 
      • Nabeel Qureshi – “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim encounters Christianity” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0D8Uz4oQck 
      • The Cultish Show – Podcast: https://thecultishshow.com/podcast

        • ____________________________________________________________

        1 hr 39 min
      • Ep#033 - Crazy Theories about Jesus Pt 1

        Good day to you 2s and 3s,

        In this week-to-week, back-to-back installment, Caleb & Jared examine some considerations of Jesus Christ by other religions and belief systems (Myths and Mystery Religions, Cults and established faiths, etc) and where they fall short. Over these two parts, we fairly consistently see the following principles for critical reflection emerge:  

        • - Many religions seeks to bolster their own credibility by endorsing the coherence of figures from another; many faiths often (and rightly so) find Jesus of Nazareth very compelling 
        • - However, their 'square peg in round hole' approaches consistently find their contexts are lacking in explaining such a character, and their accompanying inconsistencies in their own core tenets often are self defeating anyway 
        • - We endorse a 'Mike Winger' approach that the best defense against the convincing arguments for other faiths (while knowing about the alternatives can be helpful), is to develop good Scriptural literacy 

          • We had a lot of fun recording these, rehearsing points we ourselves found useful in apologetically defining Christian faith. We hope it blesses you too :) As always, we include some sources below to continue your own learning in faith journey. God bless you all, 

          - J., C. & J.   


          ____________________________________________  


          *More to be shared in Pt 2*  

          • SHOCK CLAIM: The story of JESUS was 'copied from prior religions to CONTROL the people' - https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/774752/JESUS-prior-religions-CONTROL-the-people-roman WAS THE JESUS STORY STOLEN FROM OSIRIS, MITHRA AND OTHER ANCIENT GODS? 
          • - https://welcometotruth.com/blogs/apologetics/osiris-mithra (Tongue in Cheek) REBUNKING CONSPIRACY THEORIES JESUS CONSPIRACIES by KEATON PATTI - https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/jesus-conspiracies 
          • 21 Important Bible Verses about Cults - https://biblereasons.com/cults/ 
          • Jesus and Mary Magdalene - https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-who-was-mary-magdalene-debunking-the-myth-of-the-penitent-prostitute-92658 
          • Jesus' Divinity in Mark's Gospel - https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/the-divinity-of-jesus-according-to-mark 
          • Bible Verses about Reincarnation? -https://www.openbible.info/topics/reincarnation 


            • ____________________________________________

            1 hr 50 min
          • Ep#032 - Interview w. Nick Tuitasi

            Kia Ora / Talofa lava Twos and Threes,

            In this cast, we interview Family First's "Nick Tuitasi" (We apologise for only audio on this release)

            • · Pacific Engagement Coordinator for NGO “Family First”
            • · Social Worker- Pacific Engagement Consultancy for the Ministry of Social Development, Te Wananga Tertiary Institution
            • · Police Officer for more than 25 years
            • · A variety of speaking roles for: Radio and Media, Places of Education, Conferences (Christian and otherwise)
            • · A variety of awards, including: Police Silver Merit Award (1993), The Queen Service Medal (1998), and one of North & South’s Top Kiwis of the Century (2000)

              • Nick was such a delight talk to- with a God-given gift for oration, he effortlessly and accessibly (often humourously!) shared expertise on all of these areas as it related back to his discipleship journey. The way his story weaved in and through the ever present stream of providence marks a man who both glorifies God for every benefitted step of the way, but has clearly been profoundly impacted by such grace also. 

              The release of this podcast is all the more pertinent given the NZ Supreme Court's ruling (alluded to in the cast) where Family First has been stripped of it's charitable status given its particular definition of 'Family.' Their work is all the more important then in advancing a plurality of opinions in contrast to woke and progressive options being advocated as the be-all/end-all. Please do consider supporting their work financially as they redouble their efforts of advocacy despite the setback:

              • https://familyfirst.org.nz/donations/
              • Some of Nick's Background/Further Credentials: https://www.speakers.co.nz/our-speakers/all-speakers/nick-tuitasi/
              • Pray as One Interview- Nick Tuitasi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpknH3_59f4&ab_channel=PrayAsOneNZ
              • Nick's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicktuitasi/?hl=en
              • "Pacifically Correct-" Nick's innovation: https://familyfirst.org.nz/category/pacifically-correct/

                • God bless you all, and we look forward to your engagement with this material. We hope you are blessed at least as richly as Christine and I were in having the conversation with this blessed brother,

                To Christ be the Glory,

                J. & C.


                1 hr 56 min
              • Ep#031 - COVID 19, a Christian response

                Kia ora everybody!

                In this episode, Jared and Christine got together to chat about COVID 19 and potential Christian responses.

                (Keep in mind, this was recorded before #convoy2022 and the subsequent protests) 

                Some of the links mentioned in the cast, or ones that we think have relevant information either way: 

                The John Snow Memorandum, a pro-vaccine declaration:

                https://www.johnsnowmemo.com/

                The Great Barrington Declaration, a declaration with a different kind of stance from that of the John Snow Memorandum:

                https://gbdeclaration.org/

                Joe Rogan's interview with immunologist Dr Robert Malone:

                https://open.spotify.com/episode/3SCsueX2bZdbEzRtKOCEyT

                Guy Hatchard, NZ based statistician:

                https://hatchardreport.com/

                Aotearoa's OFFICIAL COVID 19 announcement dubstep remix:

                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj2ymyy7AAo

                Ardern's brave words during the beginning of this pandemic:

                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3xnT9Dr0uo

                2 hr 28 min
              • Ep#030 - Interview with Dr. Rod Thompson

                Hey there 2's and 3's! 

                For our 30th cast, we had the immense privilege of interviewing Dr Rod Thompson, a prominent Educational Expert in Australasia on what is 'Christian Education:' 

                - Former Principal of Laidlaw College (NZ Bible College: 2011 - 2015) 

                - Doctorate on 'The Foundational Impact of Teaching the Bible in Schools' 

                - Former Pastor of Sydney Church Plant, Current Pastor Emeritus in Springwood Presbyterian Churches in Sydney's Blue Mountains 

                - A variety of current, lecturing/teaching Roles, incl. with NZ's Venn Foundation, Australia's Christian Education National (CEN) and the National Institute of Christian Education (NICE) 

                As are all conversations/speaking engagements with Rod we had an inspiring conversation regarding the blending between Pastoral and Teaching Vocations, What it means to teach Christianly, and on the need for Biblical Literacy in the 21st Century. Rod's insights carry import of considerable worth bridged in the sort of accessible way that only a pastor/teacher of many years wisdom and experience could do in making the complex simple. We hope you enjoy this offering, as his perspectives are certainly still resonating in our ears in lived out echoes. 

                Grace & Peace in Christ's name, - J, C. & J. 


                _____________________________________________________ 

                Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/85513... 

                Listen to us via your preferred podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/two-or-three-gathered 

                _____________________________________________________ 


                One of Rod's latest ventures is as a Board Member of "Hope Christian Homes;" a Social Business/NGO wishing to find, fund and repurpose housing and tenancy for the purpose of providing people with disabilities a valuable means of integrating into society; through living in homes of their own. I highly recommend checking out this wonderful venture, as I suspect we will see good things in days to come: Hope Christian Homes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enqUG... 

                Promoting Rod's Current Pastoral Role as a Minister at "Springwood Presbyterian Churches:" https://springwoodpresbyterianchurche... 

                "The Transforming Vision: Shaping a Christian Worldview" (Walsh & Middleton) - https://www.koorong.com/product/trans... 

                "Walking with God in the Classroom: Christian Approaches to Learning and Teaching" (Harro van Brummelen): https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/sho... 

                ___________________________________________________ 

                "supapao - HEAVYLIGHT" is free to use on YouTube/Facebook/Twitch 

                Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: http://bit.ly/Supapao-Heavylight 

                –––––––––––––– 

                📞 Contact the artist: supapao 

                https://twitter.com/Supapao123 

                https://soundcloud.com/supapao 

                –––––––––––––– 

                ___________________________________________________

                1 hr 58 min
              • Ep#029 - Salt & Light: Four Charities in Focus

                Kia Ora 2’s & 3’s! 

                In this special edition of the cast, Jared shares a selection of shorter interviews originally for his Middle School Context. Students learning about Jesus’ words concerning Salt and Light in Matthew 5 were encouraged to consider this through the lense of Charitable/NGO/Humanitarian work as fulfilment of the Matthew 28 Great Commission. He invited a number of local guests working in Holy Spirit inspired spaces to share a little about their work and a little about what their outworking of a Salt and Light Orthopraxis meant for their discipleship. You can view links to their associated organizations below… 


                Andrew Marriott- Executive Director of MVNZ 

                Motivate NZ: https://motivate.nz/?fbclid=IwAR3HoTd... 


                Caitlin Watson- Youth Worker/Former Local Council HBC/Social Business Worker 

                Hope Shop HBC: https://www.facebook.com/thehopeshophbc/ 

                Coast Mentoring: https://www.coastmentoring.nz/?fbclid... (In Collaboration with “Coast Youth Community Trust” and “Youth in Transition”) 


                Joseph Youssef- Social Business Developer/Former WBC Pastor 

                All Heart NZ: https://allheartnz.org.nz/?fbclid=IwA... 


                Vanessa Gatman (Previously interviewed) 

                You Are Charitable Trust: https://www.youare.co.nz/?fbclid=IwAR... 

                #015 Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GoJ7... 


                A number of these guests indicated they would be delighted to share again on other worthy topics, so we very much look forward to having them again. In the mean-time, we hope you enjoy this selection of God honouring people working to worship Him where they are, 

                God Bless, 

                C, C. & J. 

                Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/85513... 

                Listen to us via your preferred podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/two-or-three-gathered 


                - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

                "Ghostrifter Official - Distant" is under a Creative Commons (CC BY-ND 3.0) license. 

                https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRh... 

                🎵 Music provided by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/ECq2GaRfYV4 

                - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

                🔊 Artist: 

                @Ghostrifter Official https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRh... 

                https://soundcloud.com/ghostrifter-of... 

                https://open.spotify.com/artist/1mIeP... 

                - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

                1 hr 34 min
              • Ep#028 - Gavin & Paula Testimony (Pt. 2)

                Greetings Twos and Threes! 

                In this 2 Part instalment, we had the wonderful privilege of talking to two of Jared's colleagues, Gavin and Paula Daniel. These remarkable people have been shaped indelibly by God's grace, their story marked by a testimony of God's faithfulness as well as the importance of obedience, authenticity as well as waiting on God's will. This South-African, Indian couple shared their story of growing up with Apartheid, the cultural dynamics of religion, marriage and blending families, and a coming to faith story alongside their journey to join us here in NZ. With lots of laughs alongside moments of sobriety we loved every minute of hearing their story of God's goodness. 

                We hope you can see too why we saw fit to encourage the sharing of their story with others. Coming up, a special glimpse into some NZ based charity work and a very special guest to mark our 30th cast. We thank you again for gathering with us in His name, and pray the holiday season is one marked with fun, fellowship, food and festivity as we remember Jesus as reason for the season. 

                - J., C. & C. 

                Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/85513... 

                Listen to us via your preferred podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/two-or-three-gathered 


                P.S. As promised, here is Paula's Cake-based instagram; as the recipient (Jared) of a Engagement/Wedding/Birthday/Baby Shower cake, I can personally endorse just how gifted this woman is by God to create the delicious art she does! https://www.instagram.com/_paulaskitc... 


                - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

                "KaizanBlue - 4am" is under a Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) license. 

                https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... 

                https://soundcloud.com/kaizanblu Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: 

                https://youtu.be/RUWKkN7Gq1M 

                - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

                🔊 Artist: @KaizanBlu https://www.youtube.com/c/KaizanBlu 

                https://soundcloud.com/kaizanblu 

                https://www.instagram.com/kaizanblu 

                https://open.spotify.com/artist/7xSBY... 

                - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

                1 hr 16 min
              • Ep#027 - Gavin & Paula Daniel Testimony (Pt. 1)

                Greetings Twos and Threes! 

                In this 2 Part instalment, we had the wonderful privilege of talking to two of Jared's colleagues, Gavin and Paula Daniel. These remarkable people have been shaped indelibly by God's grace, their story marked by a testimony of God's faithfulness as well as the importance of obedience, authenticity as well as waiting on God's will. This South-African, Indian couple shared their story of growing up with Apartheid, the cultural dynamics of religion, marriage and blending families, and a coming to faith story alongside their journey to join us here in NZ. With lots of laughs alongside moments of sobriety we loved every minute of hearing their story of God's goodness. 

                We hope you can see too why we saw fit to encourage the sharing of their story with others. Coming up, a special glimpse into some NZ based charity work and a very special guest to mark our 30th cast. We thank you again for gathering with us in His name, and pray the holiday season is one marked with fun, fellowship, food and festivity as we remember Jesus as reason for the season. 

                - J., C. & C. 

                Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/85513... 

                Listen to us via your preferred podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/two-or-three-gathered P.S. 

                As promised, here is Paula's Cake-based instagram; as the recipient (Jared) of a Engagement/Wedding/Birthday/Baby Shower cake, I can personally endorse just how gifted this woman is by God to create the delicious art she does! https://www.instagram.com/_paulaskitc... 

                - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

                "KaizanBlue - 4am" is under a Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) license. 

                https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... 

                https://soundcloud.com/kaizanblu 

                Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/RUWKkN7Gq1M 

                - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

                🔊 Artist: @KaizanBlu https://www.youtube.com/c/KaizanBlu 

                https://soundcloud.com/kaizanblu 

                https://www.instagram.com/kaizanblu 

                https://open.spotify.com/artist/7xSBY... 

                - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

                1 hr 9 min
              • Ep#026 - Interview w. Laura Wolf

                Good day to you 2's & 3's In this podcast, we had the immense privilege of interviewing talented, NZ Based Author (and personal friend) Laura Wolf. Having written over 20 written works/projects (from Pub Quiz books, to Flower cultural knowledge, and even a recent collection on Cybersafety for youths), we asked her questions regarding her area of most authority- Romance Literature. As a Christian Artisan, we wanted to ask her about the themes explored in an often misunderstood genre that has powerful redemptive parallels to Gospel-infused themes. Talking to such transcendent thematic ideas as 'Faith, Hope and Love' she also helped us navigate the importance of Christians discussing sex and sexuality well as part of our God given image with soul and body integrally linked. We have intentions to have her back to discuss these themes of sexuality in more detail, but hope you enjoy this offering in the mean time. She was an absolute joy, and we heartily recommend you give her a listen, as well as check out her various written works. Even more brilliant things to come from her, we assure you! -J, C. & J. 


                Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/85513... 

                Listen to us via your preferred podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/two-or-three-gathered ] 

                Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpwwjA5rMQiZ3Ru3gsjm6xw 


                ________________________________________________________ 


                Laura's catalogue of works available via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Wolf/e/B... Laura Wolf - Author (Official Facebook Page) https://www.facebook.com/LauraWolfAuthor The Author's Librarian (YT): Interview with Laura: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HRzl... Interview with "Christchurch Writers": https://chchnzwriters.org/blog/stop-w... A Cinderella for the Undercover Billionaire - her debut novel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KDWZ824 Happy Trails - This is a NZ Hiking romance short story with a divorcee protagonist: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PCDGNWH Christmas On Henderson Island - a quirky modern desert island romance with a theme of ocean plastic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082H61BG7 An NZ association that Laura is a member of: https://www.romancewriters.co.nz/ 

                ________________________________________________________ 


                〉Song info: Genre: Lo-fi Name: And So It Begins Artists: Artificial.Music Free download: https://hypeddit.com/track/w36fmm Features: Chill "Artificial.Music - And So It Begins [Lo-fi]" is under a Creative Commons license (CC-BY) 3.0 Music provided by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/BH-SnQ8J1VU ––– 〉Contact the artists: Artificial.Music https://soundcloud.com/artificial-music ––– 〉Contact BreakingCopyright: Email: [email protected] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingCop... Facebook: https://facebook.com/BreakingCopyright SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/BreakingCopyright Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreakingCopy ________________________________________________________

                1 hr 56 min
              • Ep#025 - NZ Hate Speech Legislation Proposals (Pt 3) - Final thoughts & a Christian response

                Kia Ora E Te Whānau,

                Unfortunately our dear Christine Welten was feeling unwell as we filmed this cast and was unable to join in. While we would have loved to have her korero with us, we reckon it turned out alright.

                In part 3, we discuss some of the ways in which we, as Christians can approach this potential legislation. Whether the bill passes or not whether we are in favour or not, we wanted to talk about these things.

                We also discussed a little about Aotearoa's Conversion Therapy bill and the ramifications that it may have when used in conjunction with this bill. (More to come on that front later!)

                As a disclaimer, it seems that I (Caleb) was mistaken as the radio station Richard Dawkins was set to interview with (who cancelled the interview) is not affiliated with USC Berkeley. The point still stands that this is a city, famous for it's defense of free speech and liberty.

                Aroha Nui,

                J., C. & C.

                _____________________________________________________________

                Discussion Document: "Proposals against incitement of hatred and discrimination" - Minister of Justice, Kris Faafoi - https://www.justice.govt.nz/assets/do...

                Dept of Internal Affairs - Three Waters Reform Programme:  https://www.dia.govt.nz/Three-Waters-... - Three Waters - What you need to know (Russell Palmer): https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/what-you-n...

                NZ Harmful Digital Communications Act, 2015: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/p...

                The Covid19 Public Health Response Bill: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/... - The Counter Terrorism Legislation Bill: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/...

                The 2007 NZ Police Raids: "Tame Iti shooting the Flag:" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Ne...

                We The Internet - Five Reasons why we need Hate Speech (Lou Perez): https://www.facebook.com/wetheinterne...

                Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux banned from public speaking in Auckland: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/3... - AJ+

                Apartheid Explained (in just under 3 minutes):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7yvn...

                Marcus Meechan (Count Dankula) and the circumstances around his 'hate crime:' https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/sc...

                Paul Moon's Open Letter regarding Free Speech: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/poli...

                Richard Dawkins banned from speaking at Berkeley due to "Islamaphobia": https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40710165

                1 hr 53 min

              About Two or Three Gathered

              From the publisher's feed

              “Two or Three Gathered” is a series of conversations with Christian brothers and sisters, considering their efforts and contributions to the Kingdom vocationally, their stories and testimonies of…