Michael Wood is an Anglican priest, author, chaplain and a leadership coach in Melbourne, Australia. His book “Practicing Peace: Theology, Contemplation and Action”, was nominated for the SparkLit 2023 Australian Christian Book of the Year Award, through which he explores the struggles of embodying peace and how we can practise it in our daily lives. 

In the conversation Michael discusses the importance of nonviolence and dialogue in human relationships, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Michael suggests that finding peace doesn't come from heroic efforts, but rather through Christ's unexpected grace, which is both received and accommodated within the open space of God's creation.

The conversation highlighted and unpacked themes of self-reflection, self-awareness, accepting oneself and others, with an emphasis on engaging in meaningful conversation and releasing resentment through practising forgiveness found in the gospel.

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Find out more about Michael J Wood: https://www.michaeljohnwood.com/ 

Find out ore about his book “Practising Peace”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Practicing-Peace-Theology-Contemplation-Action-ebook/dp/B09Y66RF3D 

Dr. Bernie Power is no stranger to the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict having studied Muslims for four decades and living in the Middle East for over two decades. His doctorate compared the Hadith, the early traditions about Muhammad, with biblical teaching. He currently lectures at the Melbourne School of Theology in Islamic studies. He travels to many countries to teach about Islam and to share the good news with Muslims through story telling rhetoric. Bernie’s passion is to teach Christians about Islam, and Muslims about Jesus

In this EP we have a detailed conversation about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Bernie, an expert in comparative studies of Islam and Christianity, shared his personal journey and extensive knowledge about the region. Bernie explained the complexity of the conflict, tracing the history of Jewish people in Palestine and also discussed the challenges of evangelising in the region and the importance of understanding the intersection of different religions.

We cover topics around the complex history and ongoing conflict between Jews and Palestinians in the region. Bernie highlighted the radical groups among the Palestinians, such as Hamas, who are committed to the destruction of the Jews. Is there hope for peace or is a violent resolution pursuant of this conflict? Finally, Bernie highlights the importance of unity in diversity, emphasising the Christian principle of Jesus breaking down dividing walls between groups. 

If you want to find out more about the Israeli-Palestine conflict or how we should respond as Christians you can register for the MST webinar here: https://ajc.mst.edu.au/ 

If you want to access Dr Bernie power’s material you can find it here https://berniepower.com/home-1/ 

#Israel #Palestine #Hamas #Justwar

Luke Bates is a prominent coffee roaster turned pastor here in Perth, Western Australia. He started off his dream in his parents garage with a couple of kilo's of green beans, a taste of espresso, a $25,000 debt and an eager spirit.

Over ten years later, he's grown his dream into a successful business. Luke talks about the highs and lows of how his business journey has informed his faith and visa versa. We learn about what not to do when it comes to generosity, how a shake of the hand business deal can prove to be costly and how obedience to God, although difficult at times, is accompanied by faith in God and his goodness.

In this EP we discuss the gift of generosity in faith and Luke shows that he doesn’t have all the answers but stresses the importance of having a community around you that encourages you in Christ.

Check out Grand Central Coffee & buy their perfectly roasted beans here - https://grandcentralcoffee.com.au/

It's as simple as a sharing a meal at a table. As Christians we often wrestle with how we should approach discipleship and evangelism in our cultural context. It's hard to know where to start or how to start or even what it's all about. In this episode my friend, Jarryd Marrell, and I sit down with the positively remarkable Rory Shiner to discuss how the Gospel informs discipleship and evangelism. 

Rory serves as the senior pastor of Providence Church in Perth, Western Australia, and is deeply immersed in ministry, offering unique insights into theology, culture, and the Christian faith, not to mention he has a PhD in Australian church history. He is the Chair of The Gospel Coalition Australia Council and has authored several insightful books diving into the connection between humanity and Christ. 

In this engaging conversation, we dive into the intersection of Christian practise in our Western context, exploring mission, discipleship and evangelism in the face of growing secularism. Rory Shiner sheds light on the challenges posed by secularism and its impact on our experience of joy, providing valuable insights into how secularism dwindles in comparison to the unsurpassable joy found in Christ. This episode is a delightful listen for those seeking a deeper understanding of faith, evangelism and joy in today's world.

Special Thanks to Rory Shiner for joining in this conversation and sharing his experiences and insights with us. To find out more about Rory or Providence Church follow this link - https://providencechurch.org.au/city/ 

Ben Collins is a successful businessman, investor and entrepreneur who is driven by a love for Jesus and a desire to see his redemptive work discovered in the workplace. Through a conversation about Ben's story, we cover topics around mentorship, discipleship and the link between one's faith and their place of work.

There's no doubt you'll feel the energy and enthusiasm of Ben as he share about his experiences and the story of his life.

In this episode Caleb sits down and has a conversation with Caleb Dalziell around faith and work. Caleb is a businessman, entrepreneur, friend and father and is behind the success of one of Perth's most successful cafe's. From India to Perth, we chat about how his faith has guided, encouraged and provided what he needs to face both the highs and the lows of life, business and relationships.
In this conversation you'll catch a bit of the empathy Caleb shares for people and the desires he has to follow God.

Visit the business Caleb created here

Dr. Meredith Lake is an historian, broadcaster and award-winning writer interested in how Australians understand the big questions of faith and meaning. In this episode I have a conversation with Meredith about her work that investigates the  history the Bible has played in Australia's formation .
We have a conversation about her award winning book "The Bible in Australia" and learn a few remarkable things about history along the way.
Meredith's national ABC podcast "Soul Search" can be found here.

In this episode Jibb Smart and I have a conversation with the  very perceptive,  intelligent historian, author and advocate for the Christian faith, Dr John Dickson. John is also the host of his own podcast "Undeceptions", exploring the misunderstood or mostly forgotten aspects of life, faith, history, culture, or ethics.
We have a conversation about his recent critically acclaimed book "Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look At the Good and Evil of Christian History", how the past effects our present and learn a few surprising things about John along the way.

In this episode Mark Tapping and I sit down and have a conversation with Jonathan Ogden, the very talented human and an incredibly talented artist and producer based in Manchester, UK. Ogden was also the founder and frontman of the band 'Rivers and Robots'. 
Fortunate enough to catch Jonathan before his "Future Forever" Tour , we unpack how he approaches the creative process, draws inspiration his faith and personal experiences, how he views this current cultural moment and a couple of stories you probably didn't expect to hear from Jonathan Ogden.

In this episode Jarryd Marrell and I sit down with Adam Meredith who serves as the Senior Pastor at The Red Door Community Church in Perth, Western Australia, and have a conversation around UNITY.  

We talk about the churches response to unity, its purpose  and some challenges that may threaten unity within the church. The conversation draws particular attention to the key ingredient to a unified church you may have previously never considered.